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.

Airlines worldwide are staring down a supply chain crisis that shows no sign of abating in 2024. As the industry attempts to recover from pandemic shocks, material shortages, labor constraints, and delivery delays are grounding growth ambitions and putting profitability under pressure.

StarLux Airlines chairman Kuo-Wei Chang stated that with Taiwan's population of 23 million, there is little demand for a third national airline if solely catering to the domestic market. However, he emphasized that Taiwan's strategic geographic location in the Asia-Pacific region makes it a crucial hub, noting that its potential in the transit market has been significantly undervalued for years.

Taiwan's homegrown Beyond 5G (B5G) low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite program is facing setbacks, with communication payload performance falling short of expectations and project timelines delayed. Criticism has mounted, with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) at the center of the controversy.

A list of "Accredited Suppliers" for semiconductor design, wafer foundry, packaging, and testing, among other services, was recently published by the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DEMA) of the US Department of Defense (DoD). By supplying to the recognized supply chain, which includes key firms such as GlobalFoundries, IBM, SkyWater Technology, and Northrop Grumman, Taiwan-based firms are attempting to secure indirect orders.

In the first half of 2024, Taiwan's printed circuit board (PCB) industry experienced significant growth, propelled by robust demand for AI servers, satellite communications, and automotive electronics. A recovery in the smartphone and memory markets also contributed to the improved performance. By the second quarter, the industry's output reached NT$190.8 billion (US$5.97 billion), reflecting a 12.7% increase compared to the same period last year. This underscores Taiwan's crucial role in supporting growth across AI, satellite systems, and electric vehicle sectors.

Taiwan is actively positioning itself as a democratic drone supply hub in Asia, with the first dedicated drone exhibit scheduled for mid-October as part of the Taiwan International AIoT Show, which will be expanded into its own independent exhibition in the future. Furthermore, Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has recently announced a drone industry alliance aimed at expanding international collaboration.

China's answer to Starlink, the G60 satellites, has launched its first 18 satellites into low-Earth orbit, but it faces an uphill battle to meet its 2030 target of deploying a 13,904-satellite network.

Taiwan's government has officially committed to developing its own version of "Starlink" as part of its "Five Trusted Industry Sectors" initiative. The launch of the country's first Beyond 5G low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite has been pushed back to 2027, two years later than the original 2025 target.

Hanwha Systems' in-house venture, Flexell Space, is collaborating with Airbus's subsidiary, Airbus Defence and Space, to develop tandem solar cell modules for installation on various satellite surfaces.