Taiwan is considering a collaboration with Amazon to access the American multinational technology company’s new Kuiper broadband network satellite system, according to a report by Reuters. Preserving communications and internet service with medium and low Earth orbit satellites in the case of a Chinese attack was one cited incentive behind the potential collaboration.
The report quotes Taiwan’s Technology and Science Minister Wu Cheng-wen (吳誠文), who stated that Taiwan’s existing OneWeb satellite doesn’t provide sufficient bandwidth. Wu stated there are other Western companies Taiwan could work with in Europe and Canada, but that Amazon was furthest along in development, therefore discussions were being held regarding whether not a collaboration would be possible.
Amazon plans to build a Kuiper network of over 3,000 satellites to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink. According to the report, using such a network could help preserve communication features similar to how Starlink has been used in Ukraine.
Taiwan has used foreign-made rockets to send its satellites into space in the past, including those made by Arianespace, an Airbus and Safran joint venture. However, Taiwan aims to use its own rockets to launch satellites. Wu said the launch site will likely be determined in late March 2025, and that southeastern coastal areas with preexisting military missile launch sites would be considered. Wu said it will take around five years to become operational.