Taiwan’s National Space Organization (TASA) has successfully completed 50 imaging operations and data downloads with its independently developed 6U CubeSat named “Onglaisat,” a collaborative project between Taiwan and Japan. The satellite has been in orbit for nearly three months, fulfilling three key technology verification missions.
In a press release, TASA announced that the 6U-sized Onglaisat satellite (30x20x10 cm) is part of a joint project involving TASA, ISSL Laboratory at the University of Tokyo, ArkEdge Space, and Space BD in Japan. Equipped with a next-generation Korsch optical payload developed by TASA and a high-precision 6U CubeSat platform from the University of Tokyo, the mission focuses on validating new optical payload design and image processing technologies.
Onglaisat, launched on November 5, 2024, from the United States, was deployed into a 410 km low Earth orbit from the International Space Station (ISS) on December 9. The satellite quickly confirmed its operational status, initiating payload verification tasks the following day. Over the past three months, Onglaisat has conducted 50 successful imaging operations, meeting the set payload verification objectives.
Project leader Yan Zhenyu stated that CubeSats require lower time and financial investment, making them suitable as pathfinders for exploring new space technologies. The initial goal of the Onglaisat project is to validate the feasibility of future high-resolution optical Earth observation satellites.
Yan mentioned that Onglaisat carries the KT90 optical payload developed by TASA, marking the first time TASA has utilized the Korsch off-axis optical system in satellite optical payload design. The off-axis optical system, with higher design, manufacturing complexity, and assembly difficulty, offers smaller volume and improved optical performance. The successful validation paves the way for future integration into larger optical Earth observation satellites to reduce size and enhance resolution further.
The CMOS TDI image sensor used in Onglaisat’s payload, developed by Taiwan Semiconductor Research Institute of the National Laboratories, is the first domestically produced and verified TDI sensor in Taiwan. This achievement is expected to boost satellite self-sufficiency. Additionally, the on-orbit image compression technology used in Onglaisat is poised for firmware integration in subsequent Earth observation satellites to optimize storage and bandwidth usage and prevent bottleneck formation.
Apart from the Korsch off-axis optical system, CMOS TDI image sensor, and on-orbit JPEG2000 image compression technology, Onglaisat has successfully verified multi-point communication feasibility. Teams from the University of Tokyo, National Central University, and TASA utilize test radio waves to control and download data.
Due to the lower orbit height after deployment from the ISS and increased solar activity, Onglaisat’s mission lifetime is expected to last until early March 2025.