TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Experts called for more government support in Taiwan’s space industry at a forum organized by Democratic Progressive Party legislator Chen Kuan-ting (陳冠廷) on Friday (Aug. 30).
Loren Chang (張起維), a professor at National Central University’s Department of Space Science and Engineering, acknowledged the government’s efforts to boost satellite development, according to a press release. However, Chan said there were failures in the analysis procedure and a lack of governmental subsidies within the local satellite R&D.
Chang said the National Security Council has demanded any development related to the space industry by the Ministry of Defense or National Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology, or any flight center, must have permission from the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA). This rule is a violation of the Space Development Act, he said. Therefore, government officials should clarify and provide more specific guidelines to facilitate future collaborations.
Peter Hsiao, a consultant at National Taiwan University’s UV Research and Development Center, said there is a need for more external funds in the nation’s space industry. It is also important to accept international funding and embrace expansion. “We need more to simulate the industry,” he added.
Hsiao recognized the American Institute in Taiwan’s support of R&D and its effort to promote the SelectUSA program. He also said that space technology and defense technology are a “highly secure and regulated industry," and Taiwan needs US backing to ensure sufficient funds and exchanges within academic circles.
A Min Chun Precision CO delegate acknowledged the equipment funded and supported by TASA. However, transnational cooperation is the way forward.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs said Taiwan has been cooperating with international corporations in space technology. Taiwan's space industry has collaborated with the Czech Republic for machinery parts. The government plans to expand its space industry globally instead of only fulfilling domestic needs, it said.
