#Taiwan #New Taipei City #Black Kite #Rapidtek #TASA

Rapidtek's Successful Launch of Black Kite-1

In a remarkable achievement for Taiwan's space industry, Rapidtek Technologies Inc., located in Taipei, has successfully launched its 8U CubeSat named Black Kite-1. This satellite was commissioned by the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) and developed in collaboration with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). The launch occurred on November 29, 2025, as part of the SpaceX Falcon 9 Transporter-15 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

Milestone for Rapidtek

The Black Kite-1 satellite signifies a major milestone for Rapidtek, showcasing the company’s advancement from single-satellite operations to a broader goal of developing a multi-satellite constellation aimed at low Earth orbit (LEO) communications. This launch is part of TASA's Startup CubeSat Program, initiated in 2023, which includes plans for four 8U CubeSats to bolster Taiwan's capabilities in satellite technology and communication.

Arthur Wang, Rapidtek’s chairman, praised the collaborative efforts of TASA and ITRI, stating that the successful orbital insertion of Black Kite-1 reflects not only advancements in technology integration but also highlights Taiwan's growing industrial capabilities. This satellite, named after the Black Kite bird, was designed to embody qualities such as speed and adaptability, which are crucial for effective satellite operations.

Comprehensive Functionality

The Black Kite-1 is built to operate in a Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 500 to 600 kilometers, which allows it to pass over Taiwan once or twice daily. The satellite provides communication windows lasting around five minutes using Rapidtek’s self-developed ground stations. This initial mission focuses on three primary objectives:

• - Confirming system stability and pointing accuracy
• - Validating high-speed Ku-band and low-data-rate communication payloads
• - Testing the precision GPS receiver as well as space-grade GPGPU products provided by TASA.

Enhanced Capabilities

Compared to its predecessor, the 3U CubeSat Nightjar, Black Kite-1 improves payload capacity and expands the number of users and applications. This is particularly beneficial for providing communication solutions to underserved regions, showcasing the varied potential of LEO IoT communications.

Rapidtek’s Chief Project Engineer, Ben Lin, emphasized the breadth of integration required for the 8U satellite, highlighting that more complex systems and novel communication designs were implemented to ensure seamless end-to-end operations from space to ground. The team dedicated numerous late hours not just to refining the satellite, but also for ensuring that the entire communication infrastructure was functional.

Future Plans and Aspirations

Looking forward, Rapidtek is poised to launch three additional 8U CubeSats in 2026 as part of its ongoing LEO satellite constellation program. These forthcoming satellites will serve dual purposes: testing technologies and demonstrating Taiwan's proficiency in establishing LEO communication networks. The ultimate goal is to establish a reliable LEO IoT network capable of real-time data transfer between ground and space, transforming communication technologies into practical solutions for daily life.

In conclusion, Rapidtek is committed to further developing autonomous communication solutions, leveraging the collective strength of its constellation to enable seamless connectivity across various applications. This launch not only marks a significant step for Rapidtek but also represents Taiwan's growing influence and expertise in the global space industry.