TRITON

TRITON / FORMOSA-7R

Mission Type	Weather satellite
Operator	Taiwan Space Agency
Website	www.tasa.org.tw
Specifications
Manufacturer	Surrey Satellite Technology Taiwan Space Agency
Launch Mass	About 250kg
Dimensions	100 cm × 120 cm × 125 cm
Launch Date	9 October 2023
FORMOSAT ←  FORMOSAT-7 FORMOSAT-8  →

TRITON, or originally called FORMOSAT-7R, is a Taiwanese weather satellite. It can collect sea surface data to derive wind speed using a GNSS reflectometry sensor. ^{[1] [2]} The English name TRITON comes from the Greek mythology messenger of the sea, Triton. ^[3]

TRITON satellite Taiwan Space Agency team taking a photo beside the satellite

History

The TRITON satellite was originally the FORMOSAT-7R, which was intended to be the indigenous node out of the planned 13 satellites of the constellation FORMOSAT-7. Though, it was decided to be scaled down to one TRITON satellite plus six FORMOSAT-7 satellites. ^[4] The target of localization is 83%, where AIDC and multiple other domestic participants will together collaborate on the project. ^[5]

However, despite the goal and claims, it can still be found on the launched missions of Surrey Satellite Technology, indicating it as a product of their company.

It was originally planned for launch amid the start of 2023. However, the rocket Vega C failed during its first commercial launch, so the mission was delayed. ^[6]

On 14 July 2023, TRITON was transported from Taiwan Space Agency to the airport. It later arrived at Guiana Space Centre. It was planned to launch at Taipei Time 9:36, 5 October. ^[7]

It was then reported that Arianespace informed the space center that due to the fact that it requires more time to finish the preparation and testing phase, the launch had been further delayed to Taipei Time 9:36, 7 October. ^[8]

On 7 October, the Vega was heading for launch. However, just 14 seconds before launch, the signal went wrong. Thus, it was further delayed. ^[9] On 9 October, the mission was restarted and the spacecraft successfully enter orbit. ^[10]

References

1. "中華民國首顆自製氣象衛星獵風者 9月法屬圭亞那升空". Central News Agency. 15 July 2023. Archived from the original on 18 July 2023. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
2. "TASA | Triton's Data Released, Improving Heavy Rainfall Forecast Accuracy with Sea Surf". www.tasa.org.tw. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
3. "台灣首顆自製氣象衛星將升空 一文了解夠觀測海面的「獵風者」". Public Television Service. 14 July 2023. Archived from the original on 21 July 2023. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
4. "獵風者衛星完成最後一塊拼圖 年底可達備便狀態". 國家太空中心. 20 July 2022.^{[ permanent dead link ]}
5. "台版低軌衛星/獵風者衛星9月升空 這3家台廠是國產化關鍵推手". 經濟日報. 9 August 2023. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
6. "台首枚自製氣象衛星 獵風者今起運預計9月升空". Public Television Service. 14 July 2023. Archived from the original on 15 July 2023. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
7. "首顆自製氣象衛星獵風者10/5升空". 中央社 . Archived from the original on 2 September 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
8. "首枚自製氣象衛星「獵風者」10/7升空！TASA公開封裝情形". Newtalk News. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
9. "自製獵風者衛星搭乘火箭升空異常 發射最後一刻緊急喊卡". United Daily News. Archived from the original on 13 October 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
10. "獵風者衛星入軌 吳宗信：台灣研發關鍵元件將取得太空飛行履歷". Central News Agency. 9 October 2023. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2023.