Two prototype low-Earth orbit satellites made by Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., better known as Foxconn, took off aboard a SpaceX rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in southern California on Saturday.
The launch of the LEO (low earth orbit) satellites marks a key moment for the Taiwanese manufacturer as it diversifies into new sectors, a shift that is taking greater urgency as some of its established businesses such as smartphones and laptops struggle.Foxconn is aiming to demonstrate that it has satellite tech to tap growing demand forcommunications from space.
While Elon Musk’s SpaceX has made and launched more than 5,000 LEO satellites for its Starlink constellation, Foxconn is betting it will be able to make satellites primarily for corporate and government clients. The satellites, co-developed with Taiwan’s National Central University, are the size of a backpack, weigh about 9kg each and carry cameras, communication devices and other equipment.
The launch of the LEO (low earth orbit) satellites marks a key moment for the Taiwanese manufacturer as it diversifies into new sectors, a shift that is taking greater urgency as some of its established businesses such as smartphones and laptops struggle.Foxconn is aiming to demonstrate that it has satellite tech to tap growing demand forcommunications from space.
While Elon Musk’s SpaceX has made and launched more than 5,000 LEO satellites for its Starlink constellation, Foxconn is betting it will be able to make satellites primarily for corporate and government clients. The satellites, co-developed with Taiwan’s National Central University, are the size of a backpack, weigh about 9kg each and carry cameras, communication devices and other equipment.