# FORMOSAT-2

> Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q701840](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q701840)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formosat-2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/formosat-2

## Summary
FORMOSAT-2 is an Earth observation satellite operated by the Taiwan Space Agency, launched in 2004 to monitor Earth from orbit. It succeeded Formosat-1 and was followed by Formosat-5, playing a key role in Taiwan's space program.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Earth observation satellite
- **Operator**: Taiwan Space Agency
- **Launch Date**: May 20, 2004
- **Launch Vehicle**: Minotaur-C (four-stage, solid-fuel rocket)
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Launch Complex 576
- **COSPAR ID**: 2004-018A
- **Aliases**: ROCSAT-2, Formosat 2, 福衛二號 (among others)
- **Predecessor**: Formosat-1
- **Successor**: Formosat-5

## FAQs
### Q: What is FORMOSAT-2?
A: FORMOSAT-2 is an Earth observation satellite launched by Taiwan in 2004 to capture high-resolution images of Earth for scientific and monitoring purposes.

### Q: Who operates FORMOSAT-2?
A: The Taiwan Space Agency (formerly the National Space Organization) operates FORMOSAT-2.

### Q: When was FORMOSAT-2 launched?
A: It was launched on May 20, 2004, from Vandenberg Launch Complex 576 using a Minotaur-C rocket.

### Q: What was the purpose of FORMOSAT-2?
A: It was designed for Earth observation, including environmental monitoring, disaster assessment, and scientific research.

### Q: What replaced FORMOSAT-2?
A: Formosat-5 succeeded FORMOSAT-2 as Taiwan’s next-generation Earth observation satellite.

## Why It Matters
FORMOSAT-2 played a crucial role in advancing Taiwan’s space capabilities and contributing to global Earth observation efforts. As an operational satellite, it provided high-resolution imagery for applications such as disaster management, environmental monitoring, and scientific research. Its data aided in tracking natural disasters, urban development, and agricultural changes, supporting both local and international initiatives. The satellite also demonstrated Taiwan’s growing expertise in space technology, paving the way for future missions like Formosat-5. By offering consistent and reliable Earth imagery, FORMOSAT-2 helped bridge gaps in global satellite coverage and reinforced Taiwan’s position in the international space community.

## Notable For
- Being Taiwan’s second Earth observation satellite, following Formosat-1.
- Launching aboard a Minotaur-C rocket, a four-stage solid-fuel vehicle.
- Operating under the Taiwan Space Agency, showcasing the nation’s space program.
- Providing critical data for disaster response and environmental studies.
- Serving as a predecessor to Formosat-5, Taiwan’s next-generation observation satellite.

## Body
### Overview
FORMOSAT-2 (also known as ROCSAT-2) is an Earth observation satellite developed and operated by the Taiwan Space Agency. It was launched on May 20, 2004, from Vandenberg Launch Complex 576 in California, USA, using a Minotaur-C launch vehicle.

### Mission and Capabilities
The satellite was designed to capture high-resolution images of Earth’s surface for scientific research, environmental monitoring, and disaster assessment. Its payload included optical instruments capable of providing detailed imagery, which was used for applications such as tracking natural disasters, urban planning, and agricultural monitoring.

### Launch and Technical Details
- **Launch Date**: May 20, 2004
- **Launch Vehicle**: Minotaur-C (a four-stage, solid-fuel rocket)
- **Launch Site**: Vandenberg Launch Complex 576
- **COSPAR ID**: 2004-018A

### Operational Context
FORMOSAT-2 succeeded Formosat-1, Taiwan’s first Earth observation satellite, and was later followed by Formosat-5. It operated under the management of the Taiwan Space Agency, contributing to the nation’s space program and international Earth observation efforts.

### Legacy
The satellite’s data was instrumental in various fields, including disaster management and environmental studies. Its success helped establish Taiwan as a capable player in space technology, influencing the development of subsequent missions like Formosat-5.

## Schema Markup
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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013