Foxconn's Second-Generation LEO Satellites Successfully Launched, PEARL-1A and PEARL-1B Enter Predetermined Orbits
Summary: Foxconn's (Hon Hai/Harworld Technology Group) second-generation low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites — PEARL-1A and PEARL-1B — were successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California. The twin satellites have entered their predetermined orbits and will operate for a five-year mission, primarily conducting communications and space science payload technology demonstrations.
Mission Overview
Foxconn announced on May 4, 2026, that its second-generation LEO satellites — PEARL-1A and PEARL-1B — had been successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California, marking the company's latest step in expanding into space technology.
The twin satellites have entered their predetermined orbits and will carry out a five-year in-orbit mission. According to Foxconn, the satellites are primarily focused on:
- Communications technology verification: Ka/Ku-band broadband communication experiments
- Space science payload demonstrations: In-orbit validation of space science technologies
- LEO constellation application exploration: Gathering experience for future low-orbit communication network deployments
Foxconn's Space Ambitions
As the world's largest electronics contract manufacturer, Foxconn has been actively expanding into space technology in recent years. The company's LEO satellite strategy centers on connected vehicles and 5G/B5G applications, progressively extending into autonomous driving and smart city domains.
Foxconn's first-generation Pearl satellites (PEARL-1H and PEARL-1C), developed in partnership with the National Central University of Taiwan, were launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 in November 2023. The newly launched PEARL-1A and PEARL-1B represent second-generation products with enhanced communications capabilities and payload technologies.