Taiwan Bolsters Defenses with Space-Tech Startup Alliance
Taiwan is aggressively investing in space-based surveillance and defense technologies, forging partnerships with international startups and nurturing local innovation to counter growing regional threats. This strategic move, spearheaded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration (SMESA) and managed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), aims to create a robust, multi-layered defense system.
The Taiwan Accelerator Plus (TAcc+) Program: A Catalyst for Innovation
Since its launch in 2023, the TAcc+ program has supported 42 startups focused on space-defense technologies. These companies are developing critical components like satellites, rocket engines, and geospatial equipment, often collaborating with Taiwan’s established Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) companies for manufacturing. This collaborative approach leverages Taiwan’s existing strengths in electronics and precision manufacturing.
Local Innovation: BaseTech and Advanced Tracking Systems
Taiwanese startups are at the forefront of this technological push. BaseTech, founded in 2021, is producing high-precision telescope mounts capable of tracking satellites from hundreds to 2,000 kilometers above Earth. Their HawkView Monitoring System can also track swarms of military drones, identifying objects over 15 kilometers away using artificial intelligence. According to Henry Chen, a senior manager at BaseTech, the system has applications in airspace, maritime, and port security.
The “Hellscape” Strategy: Drones and Uncrewed Systems
The Center for a Novel American Security proposes a “hellscape” strategy for Taiwan, involving the deployment of thousands of aerial, surface, and underwater drones. This layered defense aims to disrupt a potential Chinese invasion, with drones operating in three layers:
- Outer Layer (80–40 km): Long-range drones targeting vessels and interceptor stockpiles.
- Middle Layer (35–5 km): Sea mines and one-way attack drones funneling landing craft.
- Inner Layer (within 5 km and beaches): Short-range drones attacking ships and landing forces.
International Collaboration and Technology Transfer
ITRI is actively fostering partnerships between Taiwanese firms and international space-tech companies. The TAcc+ program has brought 42 companies to Taiwan, facilitating business-to-business meetings and identifying component suppliers. Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed, resulting in new orders for Taiwanese firms. For example, HEX20, a maker of small satellites, signed an MoU with TaiCrystal International Technology Co, specializing in space-grade power chips.
Focus on Dual-Use Technologies: FSO Communication
Taiwan is also prioritizing the development of dual-use technologies, such as free-space optical (FSO) communication. This technology uses lasers to transmit data between satellites and ground stations, offering both civilian and military applications. BaseTech is involved in this area, and the Taiwanese government has provided funding for its deployment within the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) and the Air Force and Navy.
Addressing Communication Vulnerabilities
Experts emphasize the critical importance of secure communications in modern warfare, citing lessons learned from Ukraine. Concerns about reliance on single providers, like US-based ViaSat, and potential limitations imposed on services, such as those offered by Starlink, are driving Taiwan to diversify its communication infrastructure. Chunghwa Telecom has secured approval to operate low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite services using Eutelsat OneWeb technology.
FAQ
- What is the TAcc+ program? It’s a program managed by ITRI, supporting startups focused on space-defense technologies through funding and partnerships.
- What is the “hellscape” strategy? A proposed defense strategy for Taiwan involving a large number of drones to disrupt a potential invasion.
- What is FSO communication? A method of data transmission using lasers between satellites and ground stations.
Follow Jeff Pao on Twitter at @jeffpao3