TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The first satellite from the FORMOSAT-8 program could be launched at the end of next year, the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) said Thursday (April 11).

The aim is to achieve a domestic content level of at least 80%, though the precise proportion can only be calculated once all tests are completed, according to the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). The satellite is undergoing integration tests, per CNA.

The FORMOSAT-8 program includes six satellites, with the launch of the first initially planned for November. However, complications partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic forced a delay until next year, with an application pending to extend the completion of the program from 2029 to 2031.

Another issue facing TASA is the choice of a national launch site. The NSTC said it is speeding up the selection process.

During questioning at the Legislative Yuan, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmaker Lin Yi-chin (林宜瑾) noted that Taiwan had been invited to the United States Space Foundation’s Space Symposium two years in a row, while China was not present. She called on Taiwan to pay attention to China’s space development as well.

The NSTC pointed out the space technology sector in Taiwan is being strictly controlled as part of the country’s core technologies. At the same time, the NSTC and TASA are continuing to expand contacts with other countries, officials said.