Taiwan faces imminent shortage in satellite communications, puts forth the concern to AFP by the head of the space agency
In a bid to bolster its communication infrastructure and ensure resilience, Taiwan has embarked on an ambitious plan to develop its own satellite network. This endeavour comes amidst growing concerns about relying solely on foreign satellite operators during times of conflict, as highlighted by Taiwanese expert Cathy Fang.
The island nation has signed a multi-million dollar deal with European company Eutelsat, which boasts over 600 satellites following its 2023 merger with British firm OneWeb. However, Taiwan's satellite ambitions extend beyond this partnership, as it aims to have its own rockets and launch site in the next decade.
Taiwan's current satellite fleet consists of seven meteorological satellites and one optical remote sensing satellite in orbit. But when it comes to communication satellites, Taiwan currently has no Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, a crucial component for modern communication networks. To address this gap, Taiwan plans to launch the first of six LEO satellites in 2027.
The Taiwan Space Agency's LEO satellite project is not a solo endeavour. Taiwanese expert Cathy Fang's concerns about relying on foreign operators have led to plans to collaborate with international firms for future satellite projects. Taiwan is already partnered with US company Astranis and SES of Luxembourg, and is in talks with Amazon's Kuiper and Canada's Telesat for additional satellite partnerships.
Elon Musk's Starlink, with its 8,000 satellites, dominates the satellite communications sector. Recently, Musk admitted to blocking a potential Ukrainian attack on Russian warships by turning off internet access to Starlink. This incident, along with Musk's business ties with China and previous comments about Taiwan, have angered the island. However, Taiwan has learned lessons from Ukraine where Starlink has been a vital communications tool for Ukrainian forces fighting Moscow's troops.
Taiwan's LEO satellite project is designed to ensure resilience in communication, a requirement for 150 LEO satellites as per Taiwan's needs. The project's success lies in its ability to de-orbit its satellites every three years, putting up a new one, as demonstrated by Starlink.
The journey towards satellite independence is not without challenges. Astrophysicist and cosmologist Brad Tucker stated that continuous coverage requires a large number of satellites in low Earth orbit and long-term operation with maintenance. Taiwan is determined to overcome these challenges, aiming to have 'more than 20' satellites by around 2031.
In conclusion, Taiwan's ambitious satellite project is a testament to its commitment to communication resilience and independence. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on satellite communication, Taiwan's efforts to develop its own network demonstrate a strategic move towards securing its communication infrastructure and ensuring its sovereignty in the digital age.
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