Pingtung county: A satellite launch vehicle being tested for the first time self-destructed after experiencing an anomaly shortly after liftoff, Taiwan's top weapons development institute said Wednesday, but no injuries or property damage were reported.
According to Focus Taiwan, the state-run National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) stated that the test of the Taiwan-made launch vehicle took place Wednesday morning at its Jiupeng Base in a sparsely populated area of eastern Pingtung County. The NCSIST reported that the rocket deviated from its intended trajectory during the initial stage of flight, leading operators to activate its self-destruct mechanism in alignment with pre-established emergency procedures.
The self-destruct system ensured that the rocket's debris remained within a safe zone, as confirmed by the institute. Prior to the test, firing notices issued by the NCSIST indicated scheduled sea and air weapon firing exercises at the Jiupeng area from Aug. 19 to 21, which included artillery tests and UAS reconnaissance operations.
This test marked the first trial of the Taiwan-developed launch vehicle, as the military has previously relied on foreign-made equipment. The firing notice had specified that the danger zone would extend up to 20 nautical miles (about 37 kilometers) in radius, with a maximum altitude of 100,000 feet (approximately 30.48 kilometers).
Local media reported that residents near the test site observed the launch vehicle spiraling out of control shortly after liftoff before crashing into an inland mountainous area. This incident raised concerns among nearby communities. In response, the Pingtung County government released a statement urging the NCSIST to immediately suspend further launch tests, review its launch procedures, and adjust future flight paths to avoid Indigenous villages and other residential areas.
The NCSIST reiterated that no injuries or property damage occurred as a result of the incident. The institute also stated that it will analyze telemetry data collected during the test and make necessary revisions to the vehicle's design.