The National Space Organization of the Republic of China (Taiwan) announced that it has signed a 5-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the UK Satellite Applications Catapult (SAC). The two parties will deepen exchanges in aspects such as space assembly manufacturing, space applications, industry linkages, and technology cultivation, laying a crucial foundation for Taiwan’s entry into the international space supply chain.
The National Space Organization of the Republic of China issued a press release stating that on the 23rd, in collaboration with the British Office in Taiwan and the UK Satellite Applications Catapult, they co-hosted the “Taiwan-UK Space Industry Roundtable Forum.” The forum invited representatives from the British space industry to engage in discussions with Taiwan’s technology industry representatives, focusing on small satellite partnerships in low Earth orbit. They delved into discussions on sustainable applications and industry cooperation blueprints for low Earth orbit satellites.
Chairman of the National Science Council Wu Cheng-wen delivered the opening speech, highlighting the increasingly close exchanges between Taiwan and the UK in the space sector. Multiple British space companies have long-term collaborations with the National Space Organization, covering areas such as satellite payload sharing, component manufacturing, signal processing, precision manufacturing, and propulsion technologies.
Wu Cheng-wen pointed out that the gathering aimed to discuss further cooperation in satellite applications, technological research and development, and industrial ecosystems. This collaboration not only signifies an opportunity for Taiwan and the UK but also marks an important milestone towards the international market.
Ruth Bradley-Jones, the representative of the British Office in Taiwan, emphasized that the space industry is vital national infrastructure for the UK, with up to 18% of the domestic Gross Domestic Product depending on satellite-related services. Establishing local space industry capabilities is crucial, and with the UK’s industrial expertise and Taiwan’s rapid industrial development, the Taiwan-UK cooperation is poised to become a dazzling “supernova.”
Director of the National Space Organization Wu Tsung-hsin stated that the MOU signed with the UK Satellite Applications Catapult symbolizes the formalization of the mutual trust and cooperation accumulated by both parties since 2023. Moving forward, they will collaborate in areas such as supply chain integration, sustainable and disaster response applications, innovation support for startups, talent cultivation, space assembly manufacturing, etc. to collectively enhance global space industry innovation and resilience.
John Abbott, CEO of the UK Satellite Applications Catapult, emphasized that this partnership will drive genuine collaborations, accelerating innovation in areas such as orbital services, environmental monitoring, sustainability, and strengthening the skills and facilities required to address global challenges.
During the roundtable forum on the 23rd, focused on “Taiwan-UK Partnership in Small Satellite Scalability,” discussions were led by Adam Amara, Chief Scientist of the UK Space Agency, John Abbott, Dr. Wu Jen-ming from Foxconn’s Next Generation Communication Research Institute, and Leo Liang, Vice General Manager of Compal Electronics, exploring the possibilities for cooperation and future industry blueprints.
The National Space Organization stated that the roundtable forum attracted 22 Taiwanese companies and 10 British companies to participate in a business matchmaking event, facilitating initial introductions and idea exchanges between bilateral enterprises. This event served as a platform to further discuss the potential for future cooperation, bridging the gap for Taiwan-UK collaboration in the space industry.