Taiwan and Japanese university launch 1st joint satellite

ISTANBUL

In the first such joint adventure, Taiwan and a university in Japan have launched a satellite, one bound for the International Space Station.

The satellite Onglaisat was launched into space on Tuesday from Cape Canaveral, Florida, the US, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, according to the Taiwan Space Agency.

The University of Tokyo’s Intelligent Space Systems Laboratory collaborated with the agency to design and manufacture the satellite body.

It said that during its six-month mission, the satellite will verify its newly developed remote sensing system.

Separately, Taipei reacted to reports that SpaceX had allegedly asked Taiwanese suppliers to move their manufacturing units outside Taiwan.

"Short-term political factors should not affect the supply chain relationship between international satellite companies and Taiwan manufacturers," said the Economic Affairs Ministry of the self-governing island.​​​​​​​