The European Union is committing to build a EUR10.6 billion (approx. US$11.13 billion) constellation of satellites that will provide the bloc with encrypted global internet connectivity in a bid to provide a homegrown alternative to Elon Musk's Starlink.

Japan is advancing its ambitious space solar power program through foundational experiments designed to collect solar energy in space and transmit electricity back to Earth.

Space technology leaders and researchers gathered at TASTI 2024 to discuss how the convergence of AIoT, and satellite networks is reshaping industries from automotive to wildlife conservation while grappling with challenges of security and spectrum allocation.

Taiwan's self-developed Triton satellite entered orbit on October 9, 2023, launched aboard Arianespace's VEGA rocket from French Guiana. Despite logistical and health challenges posed by the site, National Science and Technology Council Minister Cheng-Wen Wu confirmed that future launches will shift to the US for cost efficiency. SpaceX's Falcon rocket will deploy the Formosat-8 constellation in late 2025.

In a windowless testing room deep in the French countryside, engineers from Taiwan's Auden Techno toiled for days to fine-tune antennas capable of linking to the swarms of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites being launched into space.

BAE Systems is advancing its position in the commercial space sector through a series of strategic partnerships in Asia-Pacific, marking a significant shift from its traditional defense focus as it seeks to capitalize on the growing regional demand for space capabilities.

For all the buzz about digital transformation in the satellite industry, analog technology still dominates in space. That's the message from Shey Sabripour, founder and CEO of CesiumAstro, who addressed industry leaders at TASTI 2024 as the sector grapples with critical bottlenecks in launch capacity and spectrum management amid the deployment of new low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellations.

The satellite imaging industry is undergoing a fundamental shift from traditional observation to real-time planetary monitoring, driven by advances in edge computing and AI, according to Planet Labs Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer Dr. Robbie Schingler.

The 2024 Taiwan International Assembly of Space Science, Technology, and Industry (TASTI 2024), held from November 30 to December 4 at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, witnessed the inaugural participation of a British delegation, which established a "National Pavilion," drawing significant attention from industry stakeholders.

Space technology executives warn that small satellite launch companies face mounting pressure from both established players and market dynamics, despite new opportunities emerging in lunar missions and space manufacturing.

Nearly 60 space companies are showcasing their latest innovations at TASTI Expo 2024, demonstrating Taiwan's growing aerospace capabilities. The Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) leads the exhibition with Formosat-8, featuring locally developed components including optical payload, GPSR, satellite computer, power systems, and communication modules.

Ubiqconn Technology, a Taiwan-based satellite equipment manufacturer and systems integrator, demonstrated its expertise at the 2024 Taiwan International Assembly of Space Science, Technology and Industry (TASTI 2024), held from November 30 to December 4 at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center. Executive Vice President Paul Hsieh, who will take on the CEO role in 2025, led the team at the event, marking his debut appearance.

Poland marked a significant diplomatic milestone at the TASTI Expo 2024 with the first-ever Polish Space Agency delegation to Taiwan, led by Michal Wiercinski, Vice President of POLSA. The visit culminated in a landmark memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the nations' space agencies. The Poland Pavilion highlighted the country's expertise in satellite systems, manufacturing, and launch services, underscoring the growing technological collaboration in the space and defense sectors.

Taiwan is making a determined push into aerospace as part of its "Five Trusted Industry Sectors" initiative, with the sector reaching NT$133.6 billion (US$4.2 billion) in output, returning to pre-pandemic levels. This industry, deemed critical for national defense and technological advancement, is experiencing a renaissance after the severe disruption of 2020-2022.

Taiwan-based millimeter wave (mmWave) technology company TMYTEK is preparing to go public next year following a successful US$25 million Series B funding round that brought its total capital to US$54 million. The company has positioned itself as a key player in the emerging multi-orbit satellite communications market.

Japanese space communications pioneers are charting an alternative path in the global satellite internet race, pushing beyond traditional satellite networks with a comprehensive strategy that spans from ocean to space. The initiative aims to address the growing demands of Beyond 5G/6G communications while facilitating the transition to a decentralized society.

Taiwan is making an aggressive push into the global drone market, leveraging its manufacturing prowess and "non-red" supply chain status as Western nations seek alternatives to Chinese providers, according to government officials and industry executives.

As global players like SpaceX dominate headlines, Taiwan is striving to carve out its own niche in the cosmos. However, the island's space aspirations are confronting significant hurdles, according to a candid assessment from a seasoned industry insider with over a decade of experience in radiation-hardened electronics.

SpaceX achieved new feats during the sixth major test launch of its Starship system but nixed an eagerly anticipated midair "catch" of the rocket's booster as President-elect Donald Trump looked on in South Texas.

LG Energy Solution (LGES) is set to become SpaceX's first long-term external battery supplier, marking a strategic shift from SpaceX's traditional reliance on in-house battery production. This partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency and reliability as SpaceX accelerates its launch frequencies and pursues ambitious goals, including Mars exploration.

In response to circulating online rumors that SpaceX has requested its Taiwanese suppliers to relocate manufacturing operations abroad, Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) promptly contacted relevant Taiwanese manufacturers. According to those suppliers, it is standard practice to adjust manufacturing schedules to meet global clients' customized needs. They further emphasized that during the recent US election period, there were no requests from SpaceX to move production facilities overseas. The MOEA strongly encourages the public not to misinterpret or exaggerate this matter, and reminds everyone to verify the accuracy of their information sources.

Located near London, UK, Silverstone—home to the Formula 1 British Grand Prix since 1950—has evolved into much more than a racetrack. The venue now serves as a hub for cutting-edge technology and innovation. The Silverstone Technology Cluster (STC), established in 2016, leverages the region's motorsport heritage to advance fields including automotive, aerospace, healthcare, digital technology, and industrial engineering.

Taiwan is set to make its mark in deep space exploration with its first-ever lunar mission, scheduled for launch this December. The project, led by Professor Loren Chang, Department Chair and Distinguished Professor of Space Science and Engineering at National Central University (NCU), aims to measure radiation levels between Earth and the moon—critical data for future space endeavors.

Taiwan is gearing up to launch its 6G commercial trial network in 2028, supported by a government-approved five-year funding plan focused on advancing key technologies in non-terrestrial networks (NTN). This initiative aims to help Taiwan's industry, academia, and research sectors secure a foothold in next-generation communications and lay the groundwork for practical future applications.

Amid the rise of generative AI and global supply chain restructuring, Taiwan's exports to the United States and ASEAN have surged to unprecedented levels. In August 2024, Taiwan's exports to the US reached a record US$11.89 billion, with cumulative exports for January to August hitting all-time highs of US$75.45 billion to the US and US$56.33 billion to ASEAN. Premier Jung-Tai Cho emphasized the need for Taiwan to enhance supply chain resilience in light of these developments.