Taiwan’s first locally developed satellite launch vehicle veered off course during its maiden test Wednesday, briefly alarming residents in southern Taiwan who feared a missile was heading toward their communities.
The rocket launched around 6 a.m. from the Jiupeng testing facility in Pingtung County. Shortly after liftoff, it deviated from its planned path and began moving toward nearby mountains instead of heading out over the sea.
Officials responded by activating the vehicle’s emergency self-destruct system, which is designed to limit the danger from an uncontrolled rocket. Debris eventually landed on an uninhabited mountainside, with no injuries or property damage reported.
Videos from the area showed startled residents reacting as the rocket changed direction, while early reports mistakenly described the object as a missile.
Local officials have demanded an explanation and urged authorities to review future launch procedures and flight paths. Taiwan’s defense research institute said it will examine the test data and make necessary design changes before future launches.
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