An aerospace company’s plan to launch Taiwan’s first domestically-built rocket has some lawmakers concerned that a lack of regulations could lead to safety risks. They have also questioned the legality of conducting the launch from the proposed site.
Attempts to launch the rocket have been mired by setbacks. TiSPACE, the company that developed the rocket, had to push back the first scheduled attempt because of disputes over the potential environmental impact. In early February, the first launch attempt ended in failure due to glitches in the rocket’s computer system.
Now, ahead of a second try scheduled for mid-March, lawmakers have noted a lack of regulations on rocket launches and expressed concerns about the potential consequences.
On Wednesday, lawmaker Kao Chin Su-mei, who represents indigenous communities, said it is unclear whether the launch will deposit harmful substances on the farm land around the launch pad. Kao also said that the launch could pose a risk to bystanders who stand too close.
There are also concerns that the use of farm land for the launch site may not be legal.
In response, Science Minister Chen Liang-kee has said that his ministry will ban the launch if it is found to be an illegal use of farm land.