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.
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.
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.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites are emerging as a hotbed of innovation, attracting significant industry interest. Ubiqconn Chairman Leo Chien sees LEO satellites as poised to become a major catalyst for global satellite market expansion over the next decade.
Market opportunities for low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite applications have gained increasing attention since the Russia–Ukraine war began in 2022, which has showcased the significance of SpaceX's Starlink service in national defense. In addition to these geopolitical factors, the advent of satellite-connected smartphones that allow communication in remote areas without cell coverage also represents a massive opportunity for Taiwanese suppliers in the LEO satellite market.
China's government has unveiled new guidelines urging state-owned enterprises to procure innovative technology solutions from domestic suppliers. This move aims to bolster the nation's self-sufficiency in critical high-tech sectors, including semiconductors and satellite technology.
The Goddard Space Flight Center of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has introduced Augmented Reality (AR) technology into the spacecraft assembly process for the first time. This innovative approach is set to significantly enhance the assembly efficiency of the Roman Space Telescope, setting a new standard for precision and efficiency in space technology development.
Europe's next-generation heavy-lift rocket, Ariane 6, is scheduled to launch from French Guiana on July 11, carrying satellites and experimental equipment.
Min Chun Precision, traditionally an aerospace stalwart, is now setting its sights on the lucrative space industry. The company has been making significant strides in ground station platforms, securing orders from international satellite operators and even drawing interest from SpaceX.
Taiwan's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in aerospace manufacturing face a unique challenge: the high cost of obtaining necessary certifications.
VIGO Photonics, a Polish company specializing in mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) detectors and modules, is becoming increasingly central to European efforts to gain greater autonomy on key semiconductor technologies, especially when the photonics sector sees growing aerospace and defense applications in sensing, optical communication, and laser-based weapons.
Unitech Printed Circuit Board has expressed optimism about the demand for Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. Revenue generated from the sector will significantly surpass the previous year's level in 2024, according to company VP Kanty Wu.
As China marks the fifth anniversary of the commercialization of 5G mobile networks in 2024, 5G Advanced networks (also known as 5.5G or 5G-A) have begun to attract much attention.
While the recent surge in AI's influence on mobile devices has been swift and pervasive, Apple and Huawei's forays into satellite communication have, thus far, been more hype than substance.
Apple's iOS 18 has updated its satellite communication capability, which is expected to inject momentum into the satellite market and boost demand for GaN power amplifiers.
SpaceX and T-Mobile are gearing up to launch their sat-to-cell service in the US by fall 2024. While this ambitious venture promises to revolutionize connectivity, questions linger over pricing, usage scenarios, and the overall business model.
Disruptive innovation can transition companies from fiercely competitive 'red ocean' markets to 'blue oceans' of new opportunities. Ultimately, the goal is to reach the 'black ocean'—the vast, untapped potential of space, transcending Earth's markets to exploit the limitless possibilities of the cosmos.
SpaceX received the go-ahead from US air safety regulators to launch its massive Starship rocket on a fourth major test flight, as the Elon Musk-led company works to make the vehicle operational and ready for regular trips to space.
At Computex 2024, MediaTek placed a spotlight on Generative AI (GenAI) and wireless connectivity, unveiling their comprehensive suite of current products. The lineup includes mobile SoCs, smart home devices, Chromebooks and tablets, 5G CPE, satellite communication, and Wi-Fi solutions.
Taiwan's effort to build its own low Earth orbit (LEO) communication satellites has turned out to be harder than expected, as the country's electronics industry has long been geared toward making satellite ground equipment. Since 2019, the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) has entered the third phase of the National Space Technology Long-Term Development program which is expected to last a decade. Alongside fostering the domestic design and production capability of six high-resolution optical remote sensing satellites, a key part of the program is to develop Taiwan's industrial capability to build Beyond 5G (B5G) communication satellites akin to Starlink.
