Taiwan Pursues Independent Satellite Network Amid Global Space Race

SpaceX launches a Falcon 9 rocket with satellites for the Starlink internet system from Cape Canaveral in Fla., on Nov. 27, 2023. SpaceX via AP/Screenshot via NTD

As global powers intensify their race to dominate space through advanced satellite networks, Taiwan is taking significant steps to establish its own satellite system to safeguard itself against potential threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

This initiative emerges in a context where SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, enhances its partnership with the U.S. government to create “Starshield,” a spy satellite network, in response to the CCP’s efforts to develop a competing “national network.”

Experts underscore the critical importance of Taiwan’s endeavor to develop an autonomous satellite network, advocating for its expedited completion to bolster the island’s defense capabilities against the CCP’s expanding influence in space.

SpaceX is reportedly deepening its cooperation with U.S. intelligence to deploy a constellation of spy satellites, seeking to bolster the U.S. military’s global surveillance and target identification capabilities. In 2021, SpaceX inked a $1.8 billion deal with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) for the “Starshield” project, distinct from its “Starlink” initiative, aiming to establish an unparalleled intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance network.

OneWeb Partnership

Facing the CCP’s burgeoning space threat, Taiwan initially sought collaboration with SpaceX. However, due to concerns over Mr. Musk’s past unilateral actions, such as his decision to cut internet access during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and potential conflicts of interest stemming from his Tesla investments in mainland China, Taiwan pivoted toward partnering with the British firm OneWeb.

Wang Hsiu-Wen, an assistant researcher at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research, elaborated on Taiwan’s decision, citing the necessity for Taiwan to ally with foreign companies due to its incapacity to launch satellites independently. Unlike SpaceX, which has deployed thousands of satellites into low Earth orbit at reduced costs, OneWeb’s operations are more financially demanding and heavily reliant on British government subsidies.

Ms. Wang did not dismiss the possibility of future collaborations between Taiwan and SpaceX, suggesting that Taiwan might revisit this option once the “Starshield” network is fully operational and proven effective.

Lessons From Recent Conflicts

In recent times, particularly during crises like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Taiwan has observed the critical role that satellite networks like Starlink can play in maintaining connectivity when traditional infrastructures are compromised. This technology has proven invaluable in ensuring continuous network services for military operations, healthcare, power generation, and other vital services.

Taiwan has faced persistent challenges over the years, including aggressive military maneuvers by the CCP, diplomatic isolation, and a barrage of cyberattacks. The island’s undersea communication cables have been disrupted on numerous occasions, underscoring the fragility of its existing communication infrastructure.

Amidst these challenges, Taiwan recognizes the urgent need to develop a resilient communication system. The accelerated efforts by the CCP to dominate the low-orbit satellite network space, aiming to control the limited spectrum and orbital positions, have made it imperative for Taiwan to expedite the development of its satellite network to secure strategic advantages.

A report from the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taiwan highlighted the limited capacity of low Earth orbit, which can accommodate around 60,000 satellites. With Starlink already deploying a substantial number of satellites, the competition for orbital space has intensified, posing significant challenges for the CCP.

Beijing’s Ambitions and Taiwan’s Security Concerns

The strategic importance of satellite networks was notably demonstrated during significant conflicts, such as the wars in Ukraine and Syria, where Starlink played a pivotal role in maintaining communication despite severe infrastructure damage. This has notably increased the CCP’s urgency to develop its “national network,” aiming to counter the technological lead and strategic advantages held by the United States.

However, experts point to a growing technological gap between the CCP and the United States in terms of rocket launch capabilities, further complicating the CCP’s aspirations for space dominance. Criticism of Starlink by the CCP’s China Defense News highlights the perceived strategic threats posed by U.S. advancements in satellite technology. It accuses Starlink of destabilizing strategic stability in space and pursuing space hegemony.

In a strategic move to enhance its technological infrastructure, the CCP has prioritized the development of satellite broadband, marking it as a key component of its new infrastructure projects in 2020. This initiative saw significant progress with state enterprises applying for satellite network development rights to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), signaling the CCP’s ambitious plans to establish a formidable presence in space.

Japanese media reports highlight the aerospace sector’s engagement in the “national network” project, with plans to deploy 26,000 low-Earth orbit satellites. This massive endeavor aims to rival the U.S. Starlink network, with the China Satellite Network Group scheduling launches of 1,300 satellites from the current year through to 2029.

Ms. Wang emphasizes the critical nature of this development for Taiwan. She notes the capability of the CCP’s BeiDou system to offer an alternative to GPS and the potential threat of Taiwan’s intelligence being compromised by the planned low-Earth orbit satellite network. Ms. Wang stresses the urgent need for Taiwan to develop its own satellite network to maintain a strategic advantage and safeguard its security.

Strategic Importance of Low Orbit Satellites

Low-Earth orbit satellites, serving as pivotal communication and observation tools, offer Taiwan the ability to detect and respond to regional threats promptly. Despite the CCP’s aspirations to integrate communication, remote sensing, and navigation capabilities into its BeiDou satellites, these ambitions remain unrealized, presenting Taiwan with an opportunity to forge ahead in satellite technology.

The establishment of such a network by Taiwan is not only of practical value but also holds significant strategic importance. Ms. Wang suggests that the network would enhance Taiwan’s sensing capabilities, allowing for early detection of CCP military activities, thereby bolstering Taiwan’s defense mechanisms.

While Mr. Musk’s existing investments in mainland China may complicate direct cooperation with Taiwan on developing a satellite network, the potential indirect collaboration through the U.S. Department of Defense’s Starshield project offers a pathway for Taiwan to gain access to crucial intelligence and technology.

The deployment of low-Earth orbit satellites would enhance Taiwan’s situational awareness in strategically sensitive areas such as Kinmen and the South China Sea. Moreover, in scenarios where Taiwan’s communication infrastructure is compromised, satellite communications could maintain essential services, counteracting CCP disinformation and psychological warfare efforts.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Ms. Wang advocates for the accelerated development and deployment of Taiwan’s satellite network, suggesting a target completion year of 2026. This timeline underscores the critical nature of the project in ensuring Taiwan’s communication resilience, both in times of peace and conflict, and enhancing its strategic positioning in the face of regional tensions.