On October 5, Taiwan time, at 9:36 a.m., the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) made formal announcement that Taiwan's first self-built weather satellite, "Triton," or “Wind Hunter” will be launched atop Arianespace's VEGA rocket and placed in a 601-kilometer low-Earth orbit.
The NSTC emphasized that the Triton satellite's equipment can execute the mission of observing wind speed and would also validate ten important parts and technologies that Taiwan independently created. Twenty manufacturers took part in the research and development process, showcasing the effectiveness of Taiwan's business and academic sectors. The results of coordinated efforts are the priceless research and development.
The first Triton satellite made in Taiwan will carry out missions for meteorological observation and investigation.Photo provided by National Science and Technology Council
Future data from Taiwan will be made available via the Triton satellite, including measurements of sea surface wave height and sea surface wind speed, as well as information to fill in any gaps. This will further the study of climate science and weather forecasting.