As entrusted by the National Science Council (NSC) of the Ministry of Administrations, China Airlines has been assigned to take charge of shipment of the main body as well as the peripheral devices of “ROCSAT-1 Satellite” in three separate shipments back to the Republic of China. The first batch of testing device weighing approximately 500 kgs. was shipped back on May 9. For the second batch of the satellite‘s main body device, weighing approximately 8,700 kgs., it took up the cargo space of ten pallets of the main deck and was shipped back to Taoyuan International Airport via Los Angeles through Anchorage by our 747 freighter CI317 departing Los Angeles at 3 p.m. on May 15 and arriving Taoyuan International Airport at about 10 p.m. on May 16. As to the third batch of peripheral device approximately 6,000 kgs., they took up the cargo space of 9 pallets of the main deck and arrived Taoyuan International Airport at 9 a. m. of May 30.

“ROCSAT-1 Satellite” is the first satellite brought in under the 15-year space scheme with the value amounting to approximately US$60,000,000. The main body portion of the satellite is considered as high precision device/instruments which takes a lot of hardship for transport. In other words, the detailed pre-planning is of utmost importance. In this concern, China Airlines is highly honored and treasures the privilege to be entrusted by the National Science Council (NSC) to take up the responsibility to engage in the shipment of the said satellite. In order to ensure perfect shipping procedures being carried out, China Airlines has fully complied with the demands arising from National Science Council as well as the satellite manufacturing company, TRW Spacecraft Technology Company, by specially arranging the newest B747-200 freighter under the serial number B-160 to carry out the shipping assignment. For the purpose of meeting the inland transportation requirements upon arrival of the satellite at Taiwan, the said freighter‘s departure from the States has been postponed for approximately 12 hours enabling the satellite to be transported to the National Space Program Office (NSPO) of Hsin Chu Science Base Industry Park at the hourly low speed of 40 kilometers via the freeway upon its midnight arrival at Taipei. Furthermore, during the plane transportation process of the satellite, proper preparations have been made in connection with the source of electricity in order to facilitate the technical engineers who have been assigned to escort the satellite on the plane to conduct their tasks of testing or wetness removal etc.

China Airlines‘ freighters have been flying to all corners of the world and have been offering their services to numerous manufacturers. In the past, we have had experience in transporting high precision device/instruments, large type of animals etc. Yet, this is the first time for us to engage in transporting satellite equipments and we are pleased to well accomplish the transportation of ROCSAT-1 Satellite with our rich aviation experience, detailed and thorough pre-planning scheme with full internal coordinations and support.