Taiwan Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in taiwan, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
Select Country Guide
Space Technologies and Systems
Last published date:

Overview

Taiwan’s space technology sector has undergone significant transformation as the island strengthens its resilience and communications infrastructure. The sector encompasses both civilian and defense applications, with increasing focus on satellite communications, space-based surveillance, and related ground infrastructure. According to industry estimates, Taiwan’s space-related investments are projected to reach significant levels as the government accelerates its space technology initiatives through 2027.

Taiwan significantly expanded its space and satellite initiatives in 2025 to strengthen national resilience and communications infrastructure. The Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) leads civilian Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite development, while the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) spearheads military-specification uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS technologies.

Leading Sub-sectors

Satellite Communications and LEO Technologies

  • Chunghwa Telecom partnered with Eutelsat OneWeb to provide Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet services, ensuring continuous coverage across Taiwan

  • Satellite ground station infrastructure and equipment

  • LEO satellite components and subsystems

  • Satellite data processing and analytics software

  • Space-Based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)

  • Early warning radar systems (including investments in facilities such as Leshan Mountain)

  • Space-based sensor technologies

  • Data fusion and analysis systems

  • Ground control stations and command centers

Missile Warning and Defense Systems

  • Early warning satellite sensors

  • Ground-based radar integration systems

  • Command and control software

  • System integration services

  • GPS and Navigation Systems

  • Precision navigation equipment

  • Anti-jamming technologies

  • Alternative positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) solutions

  • Ground augmentation systems

Opportunities

Taiwan’s accelerating space sector development presents substantial opportunities for U.S. companies across multiple domains:

Government Programs and Initiatives

  • The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), in coordination with MODA, launched the “Beyond 5G Satellite Program,” with the first satellite scheduled to launch in 2027

  • MODA’s Digital Resilience Verification Program aims to deploy 700 LEO satellite ground stations across Taiwan and three international sites

  • Direct procurement opportunities through Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) channels

Launch Infrastructure Development Opportunities

As Taiwan develops its Xuhai launch site and other space facilities, U.S. companies can provide (subject to U.S. export controls restrictions):

  • Technical consulting and engineering services for launch site design and construction

  • Specialized launch equipment and ground support systems

  • Safety and environmental compliance technologies

  • Training programs for launch operations personnel

  • Quality assurance and testing equipment

  • Launch range instrumentation and tracking systems

  • Technology Transfer and Integration

  • System integration services for satellite communications networks

  • Technical training and knowledge transfer programs

  • Joint development of space-based ISR capabilities

  • Intelligence sharing frameworks and secure communication systems

  • Commercial Partnerships

  • Taiwan is engaging with international firms to diversify its satellite communication ecosystem

  • Opportunities for U.S. satellite operators to partner with local telecommunications providers

  • Ground station equipment and software licensing

  • Satellite data services and applications

Emerging Market Needs

As space becomes increasingly contested and Taiwan focuses on resilience against potential disruptions to submarine communication cables, demand is growing for:

  • Redundant satellite communication systems

  • Cyber-secure satellite networks

  • Rapid deployment communication solutions

  • Space situational awareness capabilities

  • Launch readiness and rapid response capabilities

Resources

Key Government Agencies

  • Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) - Leads civilian space programs and launch facility development

  • National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) - Military space applications

  • Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) - Digital resilience and satellite communications policy

  • National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) - Space technology research and development

Regulatory Considerations

Under current regulations, LEO telecommunications service providers must be incorporated in Taiwan. The total number of shares directly held by any foreign company cannot exceed 49% of the total, and the total number of indirectly held shares (through an intermediary) cannot exceed 60% of the total. U.S. companies should note that investment from Chinese mainland investors is prohibited, and the minimum paid-in capital requirement is NT$300 million ($9.82 million).

For launch-related technologies and services, U.S. companies must comply with U.S. export control regulations, including ITAR and EAR requirements. Early engagement with relevant U.S. government agencies is recommended for technology transfer approvals.

Trade Events:

  • Taiwan Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE) - Biennial event in Taipei

  • SATShow, Washington, D.C. - Annual satellite communications conference and exhibition where Taiwan companies can connect with U.S. satellite technology providers and explore partnership opportunities

For defense-related space technology exports, U.S. companies should work closely with the appropriate U.S. government agencies and follow established FMS/DCS procedures as well as export control regulations. Commercial opportunities often require partnerships with local entities to meet regulatory requirements and market needs.

×

Global Business Navigator Chatbot Beta

Welcome to the Global Business Navigator, an artificial intelligence (AI) Chatbot from the International Trade Administration (ITA). This tool, currently in beta version testing, is designed to provide general information on the exporting process and the resources available to assist new and experienced U.S. exporters. The Chatbot, developed using Microsoft’s Azure AI services, is trained on ITA’s export-related content and aims to quickly get users the information they need. The Chatbot is intended to make the benefits of exporting more accessible by understanding non-expert language, idiomatic expressions, and foreign languages.

Limitations

As a beta product, the Chatbot is currently being tested and its responses may occasionally produce inaccurate or incomplete information. The Chatbot is trained to decline out of scope or inappropriate requests. The Chatbot’s knowledge is limited to the public information on the Export Solutions web pages of Trade.gov, which covers a wide range of topics on exporting. While it cannot provide responses specific to a company’s product or a specific foreign market, its reference pages will guide you to other relevant government resources and market research. Always double-check the Chatbot’s responses using the provided references or by visiting the Export Solutions web pages on Trade.gov. Do not use its responses as legal or professional advice. Inaccurate advice from the Chatbot would not be a defense to violating any export rules or regulations.

Privacy

The Chatbot does not collect information about users and does not use the contents of users’ chat history to learn new information. All feedback is anonymous. Please do not enter personally identifiable information (PII), sensitive, or proprietary information into the Chatbot. Your conversations will not be connected to other interactions or accounts with ITA. Conversations with the Chatbot may be reviewed to help ITA improve the tool and address harmful, illegal, or otherwise inappropriate questions.

Translation

The Chatbot supports a wide range of languages. Because the Chatbot is trained in English and responses are translated, you should verify the translation. For example, the Chatbot may have difficulty with acronyms, abbreviations, and nuances in a language other than English.

Privacy Program | Information Quality Guidelines | Accessibility