Taiwan is working on an ambitious plan to create a new satellite system to keep people online in case of a disaster. The self-governing island currently relies on a series of vulnerable undersea cables for its communications.
Deep beneath the waters around Taiwan, there are 15 undersea internet cables connecting the island to the rest of the world. These cables are considered vital strategic assets but are also potential military targets, leaving Taiwan exposed to the risk of being cut off from the internet in the event of an attack.
To address this vulnerability, Taiwan is investing billions to develop and launch its own low-orbit communications satellites. This initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted Internet connectivity, especially during times of crisis. The program is being led by Wu Zongxin, the director general of TASA, Taiwan's space agency.
While Elon Musk's Starlink project has been successful in providing high-speed internet through low orbit communication satellites, Taiwan has concerns about relying on it due to Musk's business ties with China. Taiwan's efforts to develop its own satellite system are driven by the need for a secure and independent communication infrastructure.
In a recent incident on Taiwan's Matsu Islands, two Chinese ships were accused of severing underwater cables, highlighting the country's digital vulnerability. This incident underscored the importance of having a reliable backup communication system in place, especially in the face of potential threats.
Taiwan is collaborating with NASA in the U.S. to accelerate its space program and enhance its space technology capabilities. By investing in its space program, Taiwan aims to strengthen its communication resilience and reduce its dependence on vulnerable undersea cables.
As tensions in the region continue to rise, Taiwan's space race has taken on added urgency. The development of a robust satellite system is seen as crucial for safeguarding Taiwan's communication infrastructure and ensuring connectivity in times of need.
