Taiwan’s ONGLAISAT Satellite Captures High-Resolution Earth Images
A newly launched Taiwanese observation satellite, ONGLAISAT, has successfully captured high-resolution images of Earth, marking a significant achievement in small-satellite technology. The satellite, built with the help of Japanese startup ArkEdge Space, was deployed into orbit at approximately 400 km above Earth in December and has since produced 2.5-metre resolution imagery, among the highest quality ever recorded from a spacecraft of its size.
ArkEdge CEO Takayoshi Fukuyo compared the clarity of the images to aerial photography, despite the satellite being no larger than a suitcase. The black-and-white images, released by Taiwan’s space agency, include detailed views of Seattle suburbs and Argentina’s Patagonia region. ONGLAISAT was developed in collaboration with the University of Tokyo and features a compact cubesat design equipped with Taiwan’s advanced optical imaging technology.
Although ONGLAISAT’s mission is set to conclude in early March, the success of its imaging system is expected to contribute to future satellite projects. Taiwan is actively expanding its space capabilities, particularly as geopolitical tensions with China grow. The country is also making strides in weather satellite programs and satellite internet collaborations with Amazon’s Project Kuiper, while deepening partnerships with Japanese space firms such as Space One and ispace.
