Hsinchu: Vandenberg Space Force Base Two second-generation satellites developed by Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. were launched successfully on Sunday.
According to Focus Taiwan, the low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, PEARL-1A and PEARL-2B, have successfully entered their intended orbits. These satellites are primarily designed for payload technology verification in communication and space science, with an expected mission duration of one to three years.
The satellites are equipped with Ka-band inter-satellite link (ISL) payloads, facilitating broadband communication with ground stations and enabling peer-to-peer link verification. They also carry a Compact Ionospheric Probe (CIP) to monitor the space communication environment. Hon Hai, also known as Foxconn, stated that these advancements will enhance its beam planning and constellation design capabilities, strengthening its application potential in LEO systems.
National Central University (NCU), which co-developed the satellites, noted that this launch marked Taiwan's first double-satellite Ka-band ISL verification. It was also the first deployment of a CIP made by NCU on two satellites in the same orbit, aiding in identifying space communication interference causes and extent.
According to Hon Hai, the PEARL project highlights its space industry positioning, with its team gaining substantial experience from earlier orbital operations through receiving stations in Taiwan and Europe. The Hon Hai Institute, the company's research arm, handled the latest LEO satellites' system integration, on-orbit operations, and data verification.
Hon Hai's PEARL mission series aims to establish practical on-orbit experience, optimizing design and integration capabilities for future satellites and boosting global competitiveness. This initiative will accelerate the company's focus on diverse application scenarios such as mobile communication supplements, Direct-to-Cell, remote area connectivity, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and specific environment backup communications.