National Space Organization Reorganized as Taiwan Space Agency (TASA)

The National Space Organization (NSPO), which was a constituent institution of the National Applied Research Laboratories (NARLabs), has been reorganized as an administrative corporation and renamed Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) as of January 1, 2023. It is now directly subordinate to the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). The agency's renaming ceremony, held on January 6, was presided over by President Tsai Ing-wen, who said at the event that, with the third phase of the National Space Science Technology Development Long-Term Program, the government is investing NT$25.1 billion over a ten-year period and in collaboration with the private sector on to build a strong and resilient national space industry to compete internationally. The reorganization of the agency into an administrative corporation is a major milestone for the country's space industry; it will provide a more flexible system of practices, improve R&D capabilities, and create a excellent training environment. TASA will also be given additional missions, including collaborating with the Ministry of Economic Affairs to upgrade the industry and with the Ministry of Education to cultivate talent, to foster the growth of the country's space industry with the support from across various disciplines. The rebranding ceremony of the reorganized space agency was also attended by more than 180 dignitaries from the government, academia and industry, including NSTC Minister Wu Tsung-tsong; Dr. Ann Kao, Mayor of Hsinchu City; legislators Wu Li-hua (Saidhai Tahovecahe), Lin Yi-hua and Su Chiao-hui; Larry T. W. Wei, Chairman of the Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry; Hong Shui-Shu, Chairperson of Catcher Technology; Dr. Chi-Hung Lin, President of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University; Dr. Fuh-Sheng Shieu, President of National Chung Hsing University; Dr. Sea-Fue Wang, President of National Taipei University of Technology; and Academia Sinica academicians Dr. Wing-Huen Ip, Dr. Louis Lee  and Dr. Ming-Chang Lin. During his speech, NSTC Minister Wu Tsung-tsong said that although Taiwan has begun to pick up its pace in the space industry only since a few years ago, the country has not fallen too far behind as the global space industry has only taken off over the last three or four years. With its solid ICT industry experience and technologies, Taiwan is sure to play a key role on a global scale. NSTC will endeavor to work closely with the Ministries of Digital Affairs, Economic Affairs, Education and other government agencies, as space represents the future of not only technological research but also industrial development as a whole. Dr. Wu Jong-shinn, TASA Director General, stated during a briefing that the domestically produced TRITON (“Wind-Hunter”) satellite is slated to be launched this year. In addition, FORMOSAT-8, synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) satellites and the Beyond 5G (B5G) Low Earth Orbit Communication Satellite Program are also being developed. Apart from satellites, a small-lift launch vehicle program is about to commence to advance the country's space technology and industry through flight heritage in high-frequency acquisition components and technologies. Dr. Wu also pointed out that people and talent constitute the most important part of any industry, and TASA has been in close collaboration with universities across the country. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Education, space systems engineering institutes are to be established to cultivate talent in foundational space technologies. Additionally, TASA's Space Academy has also been working with the Industrial Development Bureau and the Small and Medium Enterprise Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs to accelerate the pace of upgrading the critical skills and expertise that are required by the space industry. The Space Development Act was promulgated on January 20, 2022. The new legislation has enabled all matters concerning space-related activities, and pursuant to the provisions of this Act, the advancement of such activities must fall under the purview of a specialized legal entity. As a result, NSTC proceeded to transform NSPO into an administrative corporation (or “non-departmental public body”). With the Act for the Establishment of the Taiwan Space Agency officially coming into force on January 1, 2023, TASA became the fourth legal entity (foundation or administrative corporation) under NSTC's direct supervision. While the reorganized space agency's Chinese name (國家太空中心) remains unchanged, its new English designation, which contains the name “Taiwan”, offers an acronym that is not only easier to pronounce but also renders the organization more recognizable internationally. TASA has been given the following responsibilities: conducting research and development in space technology, promoting international collaboration and exchanges in space technology, facilitating the development of the country's space industry, conducting legal research on space-related affairs, cultivating talent in space technology, and selecting national launch sites.   NSTC Minister Dr. Wu Tsung-tsong explaining the government plan to foster the growth of the country's space industry through interagency cooperation TASA Director General Dr. Wu Jong-shinn reporting on recent satellite programs and outlook in a briefing President Tsai stating in her speech that the government will accelerate the pace of building a strong and resilient national space industry capable of competing globally President Tsai, NSTC Minister Dr. Wu Tsung-tsong, TASA Director General Dr. Wu Jong-shinn, Hsinchu Mayor Dr. Ann Kao, legislators and directors unveiling the plaque Taiwan Space Agency officially being unveiled