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.
LG Energy Solution (LGES) is set to become SpaceX's first long-term external battery supplier, marking a strategic shift from SpaceX's traditional reliance on in-house battery production. This partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency and reliability as SpaceX accelerates its launch frequencies and pursues ambitious goals, including Mars exploration.
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.
Located near London, UK, Silverstone—home to the Formula 1 British Grand Prix since 1950—has evolved into much more than a racetrack. The venue now serves as a hub for cutting-edge technology and innovation. The Silverstone Technology Cluster (STC), established in 2016, leverages the region's motorsport heritage to advance fields including automotive, aerospace, healthcare, digital technology, and industrial engineering.
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.
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.
Airlines worldwide are staring down a supply chain crisis that shows no sign of abating in 2024. As the industry attempts to recover from pandemic shocks, material shortages, labor constraints, and delivery delays are grounding growth ambitions and putting profitability under pressure.
StarLux Airlines chairman Kuo-Wei Chang stated that with Taiwan's population of 23 million, there is little demand for a third national airline if solely catering to the domestic market. However, he emphasized that Taiwan's strategic geographic location in the Asia-Pacific region makes it a crucial hub, noting that its potential in the transit market has been significantly undervalued for years.
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.
A list of "Accredited Suppliers" for semiconductor design, wafer foundry, packaging, and testing, among other services, was recently published by the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DEMA) of the US Department of Defense (DoD). By supplying to the recognized supply chain, which includes key firms such as GlobalFoundries, IBM, SkyWater Technology, and Northrop Grumman, Taiwan-based firms are attempting to secure indirect orders.
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.
Taiwan is actively positioning itself as a democratic drone supply hub in Asia, with the first dedicated drone exhibit scheduled for mid-October as part of the Taiwan International AIoT Show, which will be expanded into its own independent exhibition in the future. Furthermore, Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has recently announced a drone industry alliance aimed at expanding international collaboration.
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.
SpaceX's primary Falcon 9 rocket was grounded for the second time this year by federal regulators after one of the company's vehicles failed to land properly following a routine satellite launch.
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.
SpaceX has delayed the launch of a rocket carrying four private astronauts to space, part of a groundbreaking mission aimed at performing the world's first commercial spacewalk.
Last week, India's startup ecosystem reached another milestone as EV company Ola went public, joining the ranks of several other firms that have made similar moves in recent years.
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.
