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.

Recent advancements in communication technology have lowered barriers in the space industry, enabling commercialization and attracting a wave of innovative players. While Taiwan-based companies acknowledge that the space sector, previously a highly exclusive domain, was long considered out of reach, with many companies not even daring to dream of participating. However, thanks to disruptive innovators like Starlink reshaping the market, the doors are now open for Taiwan-based manufacturers to take up the challenge.

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.

China's satellite navigation ambitions are accelerating, with plans for a next-generation BeiDou system taking shape amid growing commercial adoption of the technology. The expansion comes as Chinese tech giants leverage satellite capabilities in their latest devices, exemplified by Huawei's satellite-enabled Mate 60 smartphone and its new Mate X6 foldable flagship, which features innovative three-network satellite connectivity.

Recently, Huawei's executive director and chairman of the board of directors of the consumer business group (BG), Richard Yu, announced that the new foldable flagship smartphone, Mate X6, will feature a triple-network satellite version. In addition to supporting two-way satellite messaging and two-way calling, the device will now also incorporate low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet.

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.

CETC Chips Technology has disclosed that its BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (DBS) SoCs have been adopted by China's top-5 handset vendors for multiple midrange to high-end smartphone models.

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.

US defense technology companies are increasingly looking to Taiwan as a critical manufacturing base and supply chain partner, as revealed during a recent Arizona-led trade delegation to Taipei. The mission, which included four emerging defense tech firms, highlights growing bilateral cooperation in aerospace and defense amid rising regional tensions.

Luxembourg-based satellite telecom operator OQ Technology is testing investor appetite for space-based Internet of Things (IoT) technology, seeking EUR 30 million in fresh funding as competition intensifies in the nascent market for satellite-enabled device connectivity.

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.

The Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on supply chains, impacting not only consumer electronics but also specialized maritime equipment. Ubiqconn, a subsidiary of Popular Holdings, suffered a severe blow in 2024 due to inventory adjustments among maritime equipment manufacturers. Ubiqconn Chairman Leo Chien said that the inventory clearance is nearly complete, with the company expected to return to growth in 2025.

Universal Microwave Technology (UMT) reported that cumulative orders from low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite clients in 2024, including shipped and pending deliveries, have reached nearly NT$1.2 billion. Its largest customer accounts for over 55% of all LEO satellite orders, with more than NT$400 million in products still awaiting shipment, most of which are set to go out in the fourth quarter.

China's quantum technology ambitions are gaining momentum as Huawei's venture capital arm makes a strategic investment in quantum measurement specialist China Quantum Measurement Tek (Cqmtek), underscoring the nation's push to advance quantum satellite and transmission capabilities.

Although AI has become a major highlight for consumer electronics vendors in 2024 after more than two years of sluggish market performance, actual sales numbers have yet to reflect the hype. The depressed momentum has been felt even among suppliers to Apple, whose sales numbers have long been regarded as a bellwether for the overall market environment.

Phasetrum, a Taiwan-based RF chip design company, has introduced new technology aimed at addressing challenges in phased array antenna design for satellite communications, particularly in Ka-band frequencies. The company's Scalable Antenna In Package (AIP) and Phase Tuner solutions represent a novel approach to existing methods in the industry.

Major players in the PCB industry are further consolidating their lead over their competition as recent data from the market research firm N.T. Information indicates that Taiwanese companies account for half of the top ten spots in the global PCB industry.

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.