Taiwan's Hapith I Rocket Test Launch in Australia

Taiwan's Tispace Receives Australian Launch Approval

Australian regulators have authorized Taiwan Innovative Space, known as Tispace, a launch provider established five years ago, to perform a commercial launch from a recently approved site located in southern Australia. This launch is anticipated later in the current year.

Hapith I Test Flight Details

Tispace is scheduled to execute a test flight utilizing its two-stage, suborbital rocket, Hapith I, from the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex in Southern Australia. The purpose of this flight is to validate the rocket’s systems, including propulsion, guidance, telemetry, and structural integrity, as stated by Tispace in a press release.

The launch complex, managed by Southern Launch, a space infrastructure firm, obtained its operational license from the nation’s industry ministry in March.

Significance for Australia and Taiwan

This development holds considerable importance for the developing space industries of both Australia and Taiwan, which have historically been behind other nations in space exploration. Australia only founded its national space agency in 2018, and interest in participating in the new space economy has steadily increased.

Initially, the licensed launch facility will support a test launch campaign involving up to three suborbital rockets. This will allow for the collection of data regarding potential environmental effects at the launch site.

Government Support and Economic Impact

Australia’s Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Christian Porter, emphasized the significance of this launch permit approval. He stated it is a crucial step in establishing Australia’s commercial launch capabilities and showcasing the country’s offerings to the international space sector.

Porter further noted that the space industry represents a substantial global growth market, poised to bolster Australia’s economic future through significant investment, technological advancements, and job creation across various industries.

Taiwan's Space Program Development

Taiwan has also experienced a slower development of its domestic space industry. However, a key milestone was reached in May with the passage of the Space Development Law, designed to encourage the growth of a national space program.

While Taiwan currently has several satellites in orbit – including the YUSAT and IDEASSat CubeSats launched via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral in January – the nation has not yet launched a rocket or spacecraft from its own territory.

Tispace's Future Plans

Hapith I represents Taiwan’s first rocket manufactured domestically, and Tispace is the country’s inaugural commercial space launch company. Initial plans for testing the Hapith vehicle involved a launch site within Taiwan, but these were abandoned due to legal challenges related to the location.

Furthermore, Tispace is exploring the possibility of expanding its operations internationally. An Australian press release indicates the company is considering establishing “manufacturing of complete rocket systems” within Australia.