Taiwan’s Rising Space Program: Building Up Industry, Supporting National Security
Taiwan, known for its leadership in semiconductors and information and communications technology (ICT), is now making significant strides in the space industry. While historically modest, Taiwan’s space program has seen a transformation since 2020, driven by President Tsai Ing-wen’s commitment to expanding the country’s space capabilities. Key milestones include the passage of the Space Development Act and the creation of the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), which has bolstered the resources and visibility of Taiwan’s space ambitions.
The government’s strategy focuses on two main objectives. First, Taiwan aims to diversify beyond semiconductors, positioning the space sector as a future driver of economic growth. Second, it seeks to enhance national security through space-based assets, particularly low Earth orbit (LEO) communication satellites, to address vulnerabilities in its communications infrastructure.
To achieve these goals, Taiwan is fostering collaboration between TASA, academia, industry and startups, while encouraging private investment in the space ecosystem. Near-term projects include launching the FORMOSAT-8 and FORMOSAT-9 satellites, with longer-term plans for a LEO broadband satellite constellation and autonomous space launch capabilities. Taiwan is also strengthening international partnerships, notably with the United States, Japan and Europe, to support its ambitions of becoming a space power.
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Taiwan’s Rising Space Program: Building Up Industry, Supporting National Security
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