Cape Canaveral: "Onglaisat," a satellite co-developed by Taiwan and Japan, was successfully launched into space Tuesday (Taipei time) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the United States. The small cube satellite, or CubeSat, is scheduled to reach the International Space Station (ISS) and be deployed into a 410-kilometer low Earth orbit in approximately one month to begin its test mission. According to Focus Taiwan, during the six-month mission, Onglaisat will be utilized to validate the key technologies of the newly developed remote sensing system. The Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), which is part of Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council, stated that the satellite will also test high-resolution data collection and image compression technologies developed in collaboration with the Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute. Project leader Chan Chen-yu noted that the satellite will achieve a ground image resolution of 2.8 meters, surpassing the typical resolution of around 5 to 6 meters for satellites of the same class. Chan highlighted that the satellite was co-developed by TASA and the Intelligent Space Systems Laboratory (ISSL) in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the University of Tokyo, along with several start-up companies, providing valuable opportunities for scientific exchange and study. Chan further explained that the satellite's name, "Onglai," symbolizes aspirations for future joint efforts between the two countries in space programs. The name was chosen in 2021, reflecting Taiwan's efforts to expand its pineapple exports following a ban by China, with Japan showing strong support through significant purchases. This gesture resonated deeply with many in Taiwan, and the term "Onglai," meaning "prosperity" and "pineapple" in Hoklo, encapsulates the hope for enduring friendship and collaboration between Taiwan and Japan.