Taiwan Urged to Build 150 LEO Satellites for Communications Resilience

Post by : Shivani

Taiwan is accelerating efforts to build its own low Earth orbit satellite network, as concerns grow over reliance on foreign providers for critical internet and phone communications. The Taiwan Space Agency has stated that about 150 LEO satellites will be needed to ensure communication resilience in crises. 

Currently, Taiwan has none of its own communications satellites in orbit. Armust news To bridge this gap, Taiwan plans to launch six of its own experimental communications satellites in 2027 under the “Beyond 5G LEO Satellite” program. 

Director‑General Wu Jong‑shinn of the Taiwan Space Agency said the clock is ticking, pointing out risks from damage or disruption to submarine telecom cables — vital links that connect the island to the rest of the world. Should those cables be severed in wartime or natural disaster, Taiwan’s communications systems could be severely compromised. 

In recent history, Taiwan has already faced disruptions. In February 2023, two major submarine telecommunication lines to Lienchiang County were cut, leaving the area without internet and phone service for weeks. That event illustrates how vulnerable the island is without its own independent satellite backup. 

To reduce dependence on external satellite providers, Taiwan is pursuing partnerships with international firms. It has deals under negotiation with companies including Eutelsat (Europe), Astranis (US), SES (Luxembourg), Amazon Kuiper, and Canada’s Telesat. However, Taiwanese officials insist that these arrangements are interim, while domestic capacity is built up. 

Under the plan, the first batch of six satellites will be placed at approximately 600 km above Earth. These will form part of a larger constellation intended to reach the full 150 satellite goal.Armustnews Taiwan also has plans for “own rockets and launch site” within the next decade. 

Experts say that building a resilient satellite network is expensive and complex. A large constellation of LEO satellites requires continual investment in launch capability, satellite maintenance, replacement, ground stations, regulatory frameworks, and orbital management. Taiwan is early in that process. 

Some analysts question whether the economics work, given that commercial providers already offer global coverage services. But Taiwanese experts argue that during wartime or natural disasters foreign services could become unreliable or constrained. Therefore, self‑sufficiency is seen as essential for national security, especially for communication in crises. 

As part of this push, Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan’s major telecom operator, is also working on backup systems via international satellite firms, to ensure at least some connectivity remains if primary networks are disrupted. 

An ambitious requirement is the target of 150 low Earth orbit satellites to serve as a baseline for “basic communication resilience.” Armust news Without this level of satellite infrastructure, Taiwan faces risk: either communication blackouts, or overreliance on foreign or commercial systems that may not be controllable in emergencies. 

Taiwan’s timeline is in motion: the 2027 launch of experimental communications satellites is the first step. In the meantime, partnerships and deals continue to be negotiated. Developing its own launch capabilities and base of local satellite industry will take more years. But government and experts express urgency. As Wu Jong‑shinn said, they must move fast. 

Building its own LEO satellite network aligns with Taiwan’s broader strategy in technological autonomy and defense resilience. As global tensions rise, the island sees secure communication as not just convenience, but a strategic necessity. The plan blends national security, technological innovation, and telecommunications policy in a push for sovereignty in connectivity.

Taiwan’s journey toward satellite network resilience is just beginning, but its goals are clear: 150 LEO satellites, self‑built capacity, partnerships in the short term, full autonomy in the long term. If successful, this could transform how Taiwan maintains communications in peace and crisis. For more on Taiwan’s tech and security policy developments, see analysis and updates at Armustnews.com.

Taiwan LEO satellite network, Taiwan Space Agency, Beyond 5G LEO Satellite