The Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) has named PixArt Imaging as the first company to receive its space-grade technology license, a milestone expected to serve as a key stepping stone for Taiwan's optical industry to enter the international space applications market. Two additional Taiwanese manufacturers are expected to receive licenses by the first quarter of 2026.
TASA supports growth of domestic manufacturers
Since 2022, Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) has tasked TASA with implementing a five-year "Optical Payload Development Program" aimed at strengthening domestic optical remote-sensing payload research and development capabilities. The program focuses on enhancing technical areas such as processing, inspection, vacuum coating, and system assembly and calibration, supporting domestic manufacturers in reaching space-grade standards. It aims to drive industry upgrades, establish a self-sufficient Taiwanese space industry chain, and lay the foundation for Taiwan's integration into the international space supply chain.
There are five key Taiwanese firms being supported through this program, including Control Optics Taiwan, Baso Precision Optics, PixArt, Liscotech, and the Mechanical and Mechatronics Systems Research Laboratories (MMSL) of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), with each focusing on different technological breakthroughs.
Control Optics is tackling the production of 40cm-diameter space-grade aspheric optical lenses, overcoming previous limitations of only producing spherical lenses. Baso develops optomechanical systems for CubeSats. PixArt focuses on time delay integration (TDI) sensors and image compression technologies. Liscotech develops CubeSat-grade visible light imaging systems, shortwave infrared imaging systems, and artificial intelligence (AI) computing modules. The MMSL is advancing automated optical lens inspection and ion polishing, improving precision from 100nm to 10nm while addressing lens stress issues.
First TASA-authorized products
According to a TASA press release, the first two products to receive TASA authorization are the space-grade TDI sensor and the CubeSat-grade optical remote-sensing payload module, both developed in collaboration with PixArt. These products, led by TASA in partnership with the company, will be the first batch supported by the agency to enter the international space market. The space-grade TDI sensor is expected to be used in subsequent FORMOSAT-8 satellites, further advancing Taiwan's optical industry in space applications.
TASA project head Chia-ray Chen explained that TDI technology amplifies weak signals through multiple exposures and is crucial for enhancing satellite image resolution, making it the mainstream sensor technology for international optical remote-sensing satellites. The CubeSat-grade optical remote-sensing payload module includes a lens, sensor, and image compression technology compliant with the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS), meeting international standards and designed to address global demand for CubeSat remote-sensing modules.
PixArt chairman Sen-huang Huang noted that during the collaborative research and development process with TASA, the company faced stringent quality standards and rigorous environmental testing. Ultimately, it overcame these challenges to complete a space-ready mass-producible optical imaging remote-sensing payload that meets space mission criteria.
Entry into the space supply chain
Beyond the program, TASA has launched initiatives such as the "Communication Satellite Research and Development and Industrialization Program" and the "Passive Reflector Antenna Synthetic Aperture Radar Payload Program." These efforts aim to help domestic industries enter the space supply chain, while executing national satellite missions, building technical capabilities, and creating more opportunities for Taiwan to engage in international collaborations.
Following PixArt, Baso's CubeSat-grade optomechanical systems and Liscotech's CubeSat-grade visible light imaging systems, shortwave infrared imaging systems, and AI computing modules are expected to obtain TASA licensing by the first quarter of 2026.
Article edited by Jack Wu
