Taipei: The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) is currently engaged in discussions with Amazon regarding a potential collaboration on the Kuiper project, which aims to enhance Taiwan’s low-earth orbit (LEO) communications satellite network. NSTC head Wu Cheng-wen highlighted that Kuiper’s service network, which spans ground, air, and sea services, promises to interlink with Taiwan’s LEO satellites, thus bolstering the nation’s communications resilience and national security.
According to Focus Taiwan, Taiwan is also exploring opportunities to work with Kuiper on optical inter-satellite link communication technologies, which facilitate rapid information exchange between satellites without a ground intermediary. This technology is crucial for maintaining communications in remote areas and ensuring basic connectivity when ground systems are disrupted.
Wu further emphasized that the plans align with the third phase of Taiwan’s national space program, with a revision anticipated to receive Cabinet approval shortly. Initially set to run from 2019 to 2028, this phase aims to launch one satellite annually for national security and environmental monitoring. The NSTC has proposed an extension until 2031, with a revised budget exceeding NT$40 billion (US$1.324 billion), to accommodate the fast-evolving LEO landscape and commercialization trends.
The revised program envisages the launch of two self-developed experimental satellites and four industrially collaborative satellites, with the first experimental satellite slated for launch in 2027 and the collaborative satellites by 2029. Additionally, a rocket research and development base is planned for Tainan, with construction expected to start by 2026, although it will not conduct ignition and launching tests.
Another key aspect of the third phase revision is the program’s commercialization. The Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) plans to partner with the private sector to develop a comprehensive supply chain encompassing system design to component manufacturing. However, Taiwanese businesses must acquire new skills since communications satellite equipment differs from conventional ground equipment, necessitating innovation and adaptation.
Moreover, numerous integrated circuit (IC) design companies and electronics manufacturers are showing interest in the burgeoning satellite applications market, aiming to join the supply chain. The NSTC is keen to foster international partnerships with the U.S., Europe, and Japan to explore global markets collaboratively, Wu noted.