Recent advancements in communication technology have lowered barriers in the space industry, enabling commercialization and attracting a wave of innovative players. While Taiwan-based companies acknowledge that the space sector, previously a highly exclusive domain, was long considered out of reach, with many companies not even daring to dream of participating. However, thanks to disruptive innovators like Starlink reshaping the market, the doors are now open for Taiwan-based manufacturers to take up the challenge.

Nearly 60 space companies are showcasing their latest innovations at TASTI Expo 2024, demonstrating Taiwan's growing aerospace capabilities. The Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) leads the exhibition with Formosat-8, featuring locally developed components including optical payload, GPSR, satellite computer, power systems, and communication modules.

Ubiqconn Technology, a Taiwan-based satellite equipment manufacturer and systems integrator, demonstrated its expertise at the 2024 Taiwan International Assembly of Space Science, Technology and Industry (TASTI 2024), held from November 30 to December 4 at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center. Executive Vice President Paul Hsieh, who will take on the CEO role in 2025, led the team at the event, marking his debut appearance.

Poland marked a significant diplomatic milestone at the TASTI Expo 2024 with the first-ever Polish Space Agency delegation to Taiwan, led by Michal Wiercinski, Vice President of POLSA. The visit culminated in a landmark memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the nations' space agencies. The Poland Pavilion highlighted the country's expertise in satellite systems, manufacturing, and launch services, underscoring the growing technological collaboration in the space and defense sectors.

China's satellite navigation ambitions are accelerating, with plans for a next-generation BeiDou system taking shape amid growing commercial adoption of the technology. The expansion comes as Chinese tech giants leverage satellite capabilities in their latest devices, exemplified by Huawei's satellite-enabled Mate 60 smartphone and its new Mate X6 foldable flagship, which features innovative three-network satellite connectivity.

Jensen Huang recently identified drones as one of three types of robots suitable for mass production, marking his first public statement classifying drones within the robotics ecosystem. This observation follows his earlier assertion that "AI in its most general form is robotic."

Taiwan-based millimeter wave (mmWave) technology company TMYTEK is preparing to go public next year following a successful US$25 million Series B funding round that brought its total capital to US$54 million. The company has positioned itself as a key player in the emerging multi-orbit satellite communications market.

Japanese space communications pioneers are charting an alternative path in the global satellite internet race, pushing beyond traditional satellite networks with a comprehensive strategy that spans from ocean to space. The initiative aims to address the growing demands of Beyond 5G/6G communications while facilitating the transition to a decentralized society.

Taiwan is making an aggressive push into the global drone market, leveraging its manufacturing prowess and "non-red" supply chain status as Western nations seek alternatives to Chinese providers, according to government officials and industry executives.

As global players like SpaceX dominate headlines, Taiwan is striving to carve out its own niche in the cosmos. However, the island's space aspirations are confronting significant hurdles, according to a candid assessment from a seasoned industry insider with over a decade of experience in radiation-hardened electronics.

Thunder Tiger Technology, a leading drone manufacturer in Taiwan, has revealed impressive achievements at this year's AUSA (Association of the United States Army) Convention and has secured interest from many clients. Additionally, the company is collaborating with Israeli drone optics giant NextVision to expand production.