For the FS-7, following the launch of the FS-3 into space in in 2006, Taiwan and the United States have teamed up once again to develop a satellite, and the R&D of many of the components and systems in the satellite were independently developed in Taiwan (Formosat-5 was the first Taiwanese-made satellite). In particular, the Triton satellite was developed in its entirety in Taiwan, and it includes a GNSS-Reflectometry payload, a satellite computer, a power control unit, a GPS receiver, and a fiber optic gyroscope and hydrogen peroxide satellite propulsion module.

In addition, the cost of the FS-7 has been further reduced with a price tag of approximately NT$3.2 billion. In comparison with the Formosat-5, which was launched in August 2017 and cost a total of NT$5.659 billion in funding, the expenses for the FS-7 have been further reduced.

Therefore, in terms of the overall price as well as current R&D, manufacturing, and launch processes, space exploration has been transformed from being in the national level to the enterprise level scope of operations; consequently, it will inevitably take the form of what will be considered a “space industry.” At present, the Executive Yuan has already approved a long term development plan for space technology in Taiwan, and for the ten years between 2019 to 2028, NT$25.1 billion will be invested in combining the capabilities of the industry and academic worlds and independently developing ten satellites in order to develop commercial components and general-purpose satellite body platforms, independently develop key components, and drive the development of Taiwan's space industry.

(TR/ Phil Sweeney)