TRITON
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Taiwan Space Agency
| Mission type | Weather satellite |
|---|---|
| Operator | Taiwan Space Agency |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | Surrey Satellite Technology Taiwan Space Agency |
| Launch mass | About 250 kg (551 lb) |
| Dimensions | 100 cm × 120 cm × 125 cm |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 9 October 2023, 1:36 UTC |
| Rocket | Vega |
| Launch site | Guiana Space Center |
TRITON, or originally called FORMOSAT-7R, is a Taiwanese weather satellite. It can collect sea surface data to derive wind speed using a GNSS reflectometry sensor.[1][2] The English name TRITON comes from the Greek mythology messenger of the sea, Triton.[3]
The TRITON satellite was originally the FORMOSAT-7R, which was intended to be the indigenous node out of the planned 13 satellites of the constellation FORMOSAT-7. The constellation was later scaled down to one TRITON satellite plus six FORMOSAT-7 satellites.[4] The satellite boasts an 83% domestic production rate, with key contributions from Taiwanese companies. Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) was responsible for the satellite's integration, with components supplied by companies such as Fongshen Technology and the Syscom Computer.[5]
Notably, information regarding the satellite's manufacture can be found on the official website of Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL), the company that constructed the FORMOSAT-7 satellites.
The satellite's launch was initially scheduled for early 2023. However, it was postponed due to the inaugural commercial launch failure of the Vega C rocket, on which TRITON was slated to be a payload.[6]
On July 14, 2023, the TRITON satellite was transported from the Taiwan Space Agency (formerly the National Space Organization) to the airport for its journey to the Guiana Space Centre. The launch was scheduled for October 5 at 9:36 AM Taiwan time.[7]
However, on October 5, Arianespace, the launch service provider, announced a delay, citing the need for additional time for rocket preparation and testing. The launch was rescheduled to October 7 at 9:36 AM Taiwan time.[8]
On the rescheduled date of October 7, the launch was aborted just 14 seconds before liftoff due to a signal anomaly, necessitating a further postponement.[9] The mission was successfully restarted on October 9, with the satellite lifting off and entering its designated orbit at approximately 10:00 AM on the same day.[10]
References
- ↑ "中華民國首顆自製氣象衛星獵風者 9月法屬圭亞那升空". Central News Agency. 15 July 2023. Archived from the original on 18 July 2023. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
- ↑ "TASA | Triton's Data Released, Improving Heavy Rainfall Forecast Accuracy with Sea Surf". www.tasa.org.tw. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
- ↑ "台灣首顆自製氣象衛星將升空 一文了解夠觀測海面的「獵風者」". Public Television Service. 14 July 2023. Archived from the original on 21 July 2023. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
- ↑ "獵風者衛星完成最後一塊拼圖 年底可達備便狀態". 國家太空中心. 20 July 2022.[permanent dead link]
- ↑ "台版低軌衛星/獵風者衛星9月升空 這3家台廠是國產化關鍵推手". 經濟日報. 9 August 2023. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
- ↑ "台首枚自製氣象衛星 獵風者今起運預計9月升空". Public Television Service. 14 July 2023. Archived from the original on 15 July 2023. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
- ↑ "首顆自製氣象衛星獵風者10/5升空". 中央社. Archived from the original on 2 September 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
- ↑ "首枚自製氣象衛星「獵風者」10/7升空！TASA公開封裝情形". Newtalk News. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
- ↑ "自製獵風者衛星搭乘火箭升空異常 發射最後一刻緊急喊卡". United Daily News. Archived from the original on 13 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
- ↑ "獵風者衛星入軌 吳宗信：台灣研發關鍵元件將取得太空飛行履歷". Central News Agency. 9 October 2023. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.