Due to SpaceX not operating in Taiwan, the country is pursuing its own satellite network through its space agency to ensure communication continuity, especially in the face of potential disruptions from China.
In response to the persistent threat from China, Taiwan is actively advancing the development of a resilient satellite system to maintain communication channels during crises.
Wu Jong-shinn, Director-General of the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), disclosed in an exclusive interview with CNN that Taiwan is currently in the experimental phase of creating indigenous communication satellites.
Once operational, this proposed satellite system will resemble Elon Musk’s Starlink network, albeit on a smaller scale. Starlink, managed by Musk’s SpaceX, has deployed thousands of satellites globally to provide internet access, including in remote regions lacking traditional connections.
Taiwan’s pursuit of its own satellite system is partly due to its inability to access Starlink, as SpaceX requires majority ownership in a joint venture, conflicting with Taiwanese laws.
Recognizing the critical importance of communication resilience, Wu emphasized the project’s significance as the agency’s top priority.
Taiwan’s strategic location, just 100 miles off China’s coast, underscores the urgency of this project. With China asserting territorial claims and threatening military action, Taiwan must ensure uninterrupted connectivity.
Currently, Taiwan relies on 15 submarine internet cables, vulnerable to damage as recent incidents demonstrated when outlying islands were cut off due to cable damage by passing ships.
Experts caution that deliberate sabotage by Beijing, like cutting internet cables around Taiwan, could cause widespread disruption and panic.
To address these challenges, Taiwan plans to develop two communication satellites, with the first set to launch by 2026. Additionally, the government aims to assist private companies in launching four more satellites. However, experts warn that hundreds of satellites may be necessary for a comprehensive backup internet access system.
In the meantime, Taiwan seeks to enhance communication resilience by partnering with existing satellite communication systems like OneWeb and maritime satellite systems. These partnerships, coupled with the establishment of 700 hotspots across the island by 2024, aim to provide backup connectivity during emergencies, as demonstrated in a recent earthquake.
Taiwan’s space ambitions extend beyond communication satellites, aiming to capitalize on international space projects. President Tsai Ing-wen’s commitment of NT$25.1 billion over the next decade aims to support various industries, leveraging Taiwan’s expertise in semiconductor chips and precision machinery.
With solid foundations and ambitious goals, Taiwan’s space aspirations reflect its determination to secure its communication infrastructure and emerge as a significant player in the global space industry.
