# Formosat-1

> Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q700995](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q700995)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formosat-1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/formosat-1

## Summary
Formosat-1 is an Earth observation satellite launched by Taiwan in 1999, marking the country's first independent satellite mission. It was developed by the Taiwan Space Agency (formerly the National Space Program Office) and operated by TRW Inc. The satellite weighed 402 kilograms and was launched aboard an Athena I rocket from Cape Canaveral.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: January 27, 1999, at 00:34:02 UTC
- **Mass**: 402 kilograms
- **Operator**: Taiwan Space Agency
- **Manufacturer**: TRW Inc.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Athena I (LM-006)
- **Spacecraft Bus**: T200
- **Country of Origin**: Taiwan (with U.S. collaboration)
- **Preceded by**: None (first Taiwanese Earth observation satellite)
- **Followed by**: Formosat-2
- **Aliases**: ROCSAT-1, Republic of China Satellite 1, Chunghua-1, Formosat 1
- **COSPAR ID**: 1999-002A

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Formosat-1?
A: Formosat-1 was designed for Earth observation, including remote sensing and environmental monitoring. It was Taiwan's first independent satellite mission, demonstrating the country's capability in space technology.

### Q: Who built Formosat-1?
A: Formosat-1 was developed by the Taiwan Space Agency (then the National Space Program Office) in collaboration with TRW Inc., a U.S. aerospace company.

### Q: What was the launch vehicle used for Formosat-1?
A: The satellite was launched aboard an Athena I rocket (LM-006) from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 46 on January 27, 1999.

### Q: How long did Formosat-1 operate?
A: The source material does not specify the operational duration, but it was succeeded by Formosat-2, indicating it was eventually decommissioned.

### Q: What was unique about Formosat-1?
A: Formosat-1 was Taiwan's first Earth observation satellite, marking a significant milestone in the country's space program. It was also the first satellite developed under Taiwan's independent space initiative.

## Why It Matters
Formosat-1 was a pivotal achievement for Taiwan's space program, demonstrating the country's ability to design, build, and operate a satellite independently. Launched in 1999, it was the first Taiwanese Earth observation satellite, paving the way for future missions like Formosat-2. The satellite's success highlighted Taiwan's growing capabilities in space technology and remote sensing, contributing to environmental monitoring, disaster management, and scientific research. By collaborating with international partners, Taiwan established a foundation for its space program, which continues to evolve with missions like Formosat-5 and Formosat-7.

## Notable For
- **First Taiwanese Earth Observation Satellite**: Formosat-1 was Taiwan's first independent satellite mission, marking a major milestone in the country's space program.
- **Collaborative Development**: Developed in partnership with TRW Inc., showcasing Taiwan's ability to work with international aerospace firms.
- **Remote Sensing Capabilities**: Designed for environmental monitoring and Earth observation, supporting applications in agriculture, disaster response, and climate research.
- **Precursor to Formosat-2**: Launched before its successor, Formosat-2, it laid the groundwork for Taiwan's continued advancements in satellite technology.
- **Demonstration of Space Program Maturity**: The successful launch and operation of Formosat-1 solidified Taiwan's position as a key player in Asia's space sector.

## Body
### Overview
Formosat-1, also known as ROCSAT-1, was Taiwan's first Earth observation satellite, launched on January 27, 1999. Developed by the Taiwan Space Agency (then the National Space Program Office) in collaboration with TRW Inc., the satellite weighed 402 kilograms and was launched aboard an Athena I rocket from Cape Canaveral. It was designed to conduct remote sensing and environmental monitoring, contributing to Taiwan's growing space capabilities.

### Development and Launch
The satellite was built using the T200 spacecraft bus and was launched on January 27, 1999, at 00:34:02 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 46. The Athena I rocket (LM-006) carried Formosat-1 into orbit, marking a significant step in Taiwan's space program. The mission was a collaboration between Taiwan and the United States, with TRW Inc. playing a key role in its development.

### Mission and Achievements
Formosat-1 was primarily used for Earth observation, including remote sensing and environmental monitoring. Its success demonstrated Taiwan's ability to independently develop and operate a satellite, paving the way for future missions like Formosat-2. The satellite's data supported applications in agriculture, disaster management, and scientific research, contributing to Taiwan's space-based infrastructure.

### Legacy
Formosat-1 was succeeded by Formosat-2, indicating that it was eventually decommissioned. However, its legacy remains important as it was the first Taiwanese Earth observation satellite, setting the foundation for Taiwan's space program. The mission highlighted the country's growing expertise in satellite technology and its commitment to advancing space exploration.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/rocsat-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013