Taiwan’s PARUS-T2 CubeSat successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marking another milestone in space innovation. The launch occurred early Tuesday from Cape Canaveral, as Taiwan’s Space Agency (TASA) moved forward with its satellite testing program. Soon after launch, the satellite entered low Earth orbit at 621 kilometers. Two hours later, it connected with a foreign ground station. Later that evening, it was expected to establish contact with a ground station in Taiwan to confirm system integrity. TASA designed the PARUS-T2 CubeSat to validate recent upgrades and enhance satellite reliability for future missions.
Compared to its predecessor, PARUS-T1, the new model includes many improvements to essential onboard systems. For example, it features an upgraded onboard computer, an advanced power control system, and a refined satellite battery. Additionally, TASA equipped the unit with a GNSS receiver and a new solar panel deployment mechanism for higher efficiency. It also includes a spherical motor attitude control system built by local company Tensor Tech, boosting its precision in orbit. Moreover, the satellite carries two key payloads: a Taiwan-made voice cross-band repeater and an automatic packet reporting system.
Through this project, TASA hopes to increase the success rate of academic and commercial satellite missions. By standardizing CubeSat platforms, developers can save time and reduce risk in future launches. Consequently, this enhances Taiwan’s global competitiveness in space research and satellite production. Importantly, TASA named the PARUS-T2 CubeSat after the native chestnut-bellied tit bird, symbolizing innovation and exploration. So far, the PARUS line includes T1, T1A, and T2 models. However, larger 6U versions are now in development. Looking ahead, TASA plans to launch PARUS-6U1 in October on a future SpaceX Transporter mission.
That mission will include FS-8A, the first Formosat-8 satellite, as its main payload. Ultimately, the PARUS-T2 CubeSat demonstrates Taiwan’s growing expertise and ambition in the global space sector. As testing continues, it will help pave the way for even more advanced satellite missions.Therefore, this launch represents a key step forward for Taiwan’s space program.
