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.
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.
