Wed, Jun 16, 2010
Formosat-5 Will Launch As Early As December 2013
Space Exploration Technologies
(SpaceX) and the National Space Organization (NSPO) have signed
contract for the launch of NSPO's Earth Observation Satellite,
Formosat-5. The spacecraft will be used to continue the image data
service for civilian users and may also carry instruments to
conduct space research and scientific experiments.
NSPO, the civilian space agency of
the Republic of China (Taiwan), is involved in the development of
space exploration, satellite construction and development as well
as related research, technologies and infrastructure, including the
FORMOSAT series of Earth observation satellites. With Formosat-5,
NSPO aims to build up capabilities for independent development of
spacecraft and payload instruments.
"The launch of Formosat-5 will build on the successful launch
and operation of the FORMOSAT satellites, " said Dr. H.P. Chang,
Formosat-5 Program Manager of NSPO. "SpaceX's approach to
launch services is very well-aligned with our goals and objectives
for the program."
Formosat-5 Artist's Rendering
"With over 40 flights now on manifest, SpaceX is positioned to
deliver launch services across the increasingly varied needs of our
commercial and government customers," said Gwynne Shotwell,
President of SpaceX. Formosat-5 is slated to launch as early as
December 2013 from the SpaceX launch site on Omelek Island at the
U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll (USAKA) in the Central Pacific, about
2,500 miles southwest of Hawaii.
More News
Aero Linx: JAARS Nearly 1.5 billion people, using more than 5,500 languages, do not have a full Bible in their first language. Many of these people live in the most remote parts of>[...]
'Airplane Bounced Twice On The Grass Runway, Resulting In The Nose Wheel Separating From The Airplane...' Analysis: The pilot reported, “upon touchdown, the plane jumped back>[...]
"Burt is best known to the public for his historic designs of SpaceShipOne, Voyager, and GlobalFlyer, but for EAA members and aviation aficionados, his unique concepts began more t>[...]
"Polaris Dawn, the first of the program’s three human spaceflight missions, is targeted to launch to orbit no earlier than summer 2024. During the five-day mission, the crew >[...]
There Are SO Many Ways To Get YOUR Aero-News! It’s been a while since we have reminded everyone about all the ways we offer your daily dose of aviation news on-the-go...so he>[...]