Space Technology and 6G

Space Technology

In 1991, Taiwan government has initiated the "Space Technology Long Term Developmental Program." Through the collective efforts between the government, universities, research communities and the industry, the program has successfully developed and launched the five satellites – FORMOSAT-1, FORMOSAT-2, FORMOSAT-3, FORMOSAT-4, FORMOSAT-5 – set up the foundation of our space technology and incubated many excellent space engineers, as well as strengthen our capability of space technology. In 2022, after passing “Act for the Establishment of the Taiwan Space Agency,” Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) was restructuring into an independent legal entity. TASA will further enhance our space technology R&D capabilities, promote space activities and the industry, and toward the goal of establishing remote sensing and communication constellations.

After more than 30 years of development, Taiwan has established a foundation of infrastructure and R&D capabilities in space technology. This includes satellite integration and test, R&D laboratories, satellite operation and control facilities, ground stations and satellite image processing centers. The third phase of the program aims to launch one satellite every year for homeland security and natural environment monitoring such as deforestation and land subsidence.

1. “Pilot High-Resolution Optical Remote Sensing Constellation” and “Ultra High-Resolution Smart Remote Sensing Satellites”: equipped with optical remote sensing payloads and critical components which are developed and manufactured in Taiwan.

2. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Satellites: equipped with active radar system that emits electromagnetic waves from the satellites to the ground. Due to variations in absorption and reflection of electromagnetic waves by soil, constructions and bodies of water, the satellite can receive the reflected waves and interprets the data without being affected by nightfall or cloudy weather conditions.

3. Promoting Deep-Space Exploration and Scientific Innovations: Following the trend of commercialization in space development, the program advancing satellites or constellations for space exploration, observation and innovative applications. The effort aims to establish a solid foundation for the sustainable development of Taiwan's space technology in the future.

4. Leveraging Shot-Term Sounding Rocket Launch Site: Xuhai Village, Pingtung County is designate as the first short-term sounding rocket launch site in Taiwan, which marks Taiwan's initial step towards completing the domestic space infrastructure. The two-stage rocket ‘HTTP-3A,’ the first hybrid rocket with direct-drive thrust vector control system in the world, the Stage-2 flight has being successfully launched from the site.

Taiwan has accumulated significant expertise in satellite and rocket development, supported by a robust foundation in industries such as semiconductors, ICT and precision machinery. The government is committed to close collaboration with various sectors, continually advancing space technology, undertaking cutting-edge space missions, disseminating the benefits of space technology and fostering space technology talent. The program aims to establish Taiwan's space supply chain, and position Taiwan as a crucial partner in the global emerging space industry.

6G

Taiwan has built a complete 5G mobile communications industrial chain with globally competitive capabilities in key areas such as mobile phone chips, radio frequency components, base stations, and private networks. Furthermore, specific sectors are already strategically developing forward-looking technologies for the next generation of mobile communications.

The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) has begun to deploy 6G technology to meet the global 6G standard schedule. The cross-ministry and industry-university-research collaboration promoted by NSTC not only encourages universities to invest in 6G advanced technology research and development, but also strengthens the layout of 6G key intellectual property, develops prototype systems and related chips, participates in international organizations, and links future innovative applications.

According to the trend in international standards, 3D communication networks will become a part of the 6G mobile network architecture. The nation is currently gradually accumulating research and development capabilities for low-orbit satellite communication systems. Following further integration with the 6G mobile network, it will complete the national 3D communication network layout as part of the 6G era. Therefore, the government has invested 260 million TWD in advanced 6G technology development and verification, including:

• Higher C-Band MIMO Antenna System

• 3D Communication Network with High Energy Efficiency

• Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface

• Technological Sovereignty for High-Speed Optical Network

• Open RAN Architecture

In 2023, the government has also launched the “Pre-6G R&D for industrial development ” , leveraging existing 5G/B5G modules and developing advanced components to promote prototyping of early 6G systems. Starting in 2024, the program has been further strengthened through integration with the “Taiwan Cbi” initiative. Under this plan, approximately NT$1.5 billion in investment over five years in the “Chip-based 6G Communications Industry Innovation Program” was allocated. It aims to leverage Taiwan's semiconductor strengths to develop RF front-end chips and baseband computing multi-core chips. Together, specific initiatives include:

• Technology R&D: Covering channel allocation technology, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS), antenna technology, JCAS AI/ML object recognition, FR3 RF chip circuit design, AI-native network architecture, etc.

• Industry Environment Development: Spectrum resource preparation, patent map analysis, system testing standards, talent cultivation, etc.

• International Cooperation: standards organizations' collaboration with major democratic countries, 3GPP 6G standards participation and contribution, etc.

To meet the commercialization timeline of 6G by 2030, OSTP has proposed the “PASCAL: Policy & Action for Satellite & Communications Advancement & Linkage”, which was approved by the Executive Yuan in July 2025. The program integrates earlier 6G-related initiatives as well as satellite communications, and will invest approximately NT$27 billion over six years from 2025 to 2030. It will be jointly executed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Digital Affairs, the National Communications Commission, the Ministry of Education, and the National Science & Technology Council, driven by three core strategies :

• Facilitating the deployment of key application services by linking multi-orbit satellite constellations with diverse application domains, promoting integration of ground terminals, and supporting cross-agency pilot use cases to expand the global reach of Taiwan's communication services.

• Establishing satellite communication testbeds and accelerating R&D and field validation, by building internationally-aligned testbeds for chipsets, modules, systems, and payloads to support technology readiness and global engagement.

• Strengthening cross-sector collaboration across the industrial ecosystem by improving cybersecurity and spectrum regulatory frameworks, cultivating skilled talent, and prioritizing funding for the domestic supply chain to accelerate localization and long-term competitiveness.

To sum up, the development of 6G communication technology will address the overall needs of Taiwan's society. This includes bridging the urban-rural development gap, ensuring digital equity, enhancing age-friendly environments, and sustaining our leadership in the ICT industry. The objective is to establish inclusive and sustainable societal applications, promote efficient technological innovation, and facilitate global talent development.