Overview
Date: 2026-10-08Data Source: Next-Generation Communications Technology Development Office.
◉ Visit Unit：Next Generation Communications Program Management Office (NGCO)
◉ Purpose of Visit：Taiwan-UK Industry-Academia-Research Exchange on Next-Generation Communications
◉ Destinations：London, Surrey, Southampton, Harwell, and Portsmouth, United Kingdom
◉ Period of Visit：August 15-23, 2026
◉ Delegation Members：Chin-Liang Wang, Hsi-Pin Ma, Shih-Yuan Chen, Yu-Chih Huang, Chung-Chieh Yang, Shih-Tsung Huang, Yi-Lin Su, Ching-Hui Yang, Chih-Hsiang Chang, Jen-Yuan Hsu, Pi-Chen Chiu, Hsin-Ju Wu, Wu-Sung Yeh
1. Linking the UK’s 6G, NTN, and National R&D Testing Capabilities to Deepen Taiwan-UK Exchange on Next-Generation Communications Technologies
This visit covered key UK 6G and communications R&D institutions, including the Surrey Space Institute (SSI), the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), and the 6G Innovation Centre (6GIC). Discussions covered 6G testbeds, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), AI-RAN, integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), high-frequency and over-the-air (OTA) measurements, Network Digital Twins, and satellite-terrestrial network integration. The Taiwan delegation also introduced the 6G FORMOSA testbed and Taiwan’s R&D achievements in 6G and NTN. Both sides discussed potential cooperation models, including testbed interconnection, cross-border joint testing, equipment interoperability, measurement methodologies, and international standards, establishing a foundation for future joint validation and technical exchanges between Taiwan and the UK. NPL shared its expertise in 6G channel emulation, OTA, ISAC, RIS, and NTN testing methodologies, while 6GIC further explored the potential for cooperation in AI-RAN, ISAC, NR-NTN, and joint validation between Taiwan and UK testbeds.
2. Gaining Insights into the UK’s Satellite Communications, LEO Constellations, and Next-Generation Space Network Development
The delegation visited major players in the UK satellite industry, including OneWeb, Open Cosmos, Ramon.Space, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL), and Airbus, gaining first-hand insights into the UK’s integrated satellite industry value chain, spanning satellite design and manufacturing, payloads, onboard computing, LEO constellations, ground terminals, and in-orbit operations. Key topics included multi-orbit LEO/GEO satellite communications, 3GPP NTN, software-defined satellites, digital payloads, onboard AI and edge computing, inter-satellite optical links, Ka-band communications, and satellite ground terminals. OneWeb also discussed potential cooperation with the Taiwan side on future 3GPP NTN, early-stage 6G PoCs, and ground terminal supply chains. Open Cosmos demonstrated the Connect Cosmos platform, the shared Open Constellation, and near-real-time satellite data service architecture, providing an important reference for Taiwan in assessing the future evolution of satellite networks from standalone communications services toward an integrated model combining “satellites + data + AI + real-time + connectivity.”
3. Understanding the UK’s Satellite, Space Electronics, and Environmental Testing Ecosystem and Exploring Cooperation in In-Orbit Validation and Reliability
Through visits to SSI, SSTL, and RAL Space, the delegation gained a deeper understanding of the UK’s validation ecosystem, covering components, payloads, complete satellite systems, and in-orbit missions. SSI presented its Space Lab concept, which aims to establish a reusable in-orbit R&D and validation platform. Both sides discussed the potential for Taiwan’s satellite communications chips, RF components, digital beamforming technologies, modules, and payloads to undergo future in-orbit validation. SSTL shared its experience in the selection of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, radiation testing, system redundancy, and supply-chain traceability for space-grade products. RAL Space’s National Satellite Test Facility (NSTF) demonstrated the UK’s national-level testing capabilities, including thermal vacuum, vibration, acoustic, EMC, and antenna measurements for large satellites, as well as a model in which research institutions provide testing infrastructure for shared industry use. These experiences provide valuable references for Taiwan in strengthening its capabilities in space-grade electronics, satellite communications payloads, and system-level qualification and acceptance testing.
4. Expanding Taiwan-UK Satellite Supply Chain and Industry Linkages and Identifying Opportunities for Taiwan’s ICT Manufacturing Sector to Enter the UK Space Industry
The visit and exchanges highlighted the strong complementarity between Taiwan’s capabilities in semiconductors, IC design, RF, PCB, advanced packaging, phased-array antennas, communications modules, ground terminals, and electronics manufacturing and the UK’s expertise in satellite system design and the space industry. During the Space South Central exchange event, the Taiwan delegation introduced Taiwan’s satellite supply chain and industry capabilities through ITRI / TLEOSIA and engaged with UK companies on RF/mmWave, LEO satellites, satellite payloads, electronically scanned antennas, and ground equipment. OneWeb also indicated that Taiwan could potentially enter its supply chain in areas such as baseband chips, RF chips, antenna array modules, and ground terminals. SSTL further shared the space supply chain’s requirements for materials, reliability, quality processes, and traceability. Overall, the visit not only provided insights into the needs of the UK satellite industry but also confirmed that Taiwan will need to strengthen capabilities in testing, reliability, flight heritage, and supply-chain qualification and certification when extending its traditional ICT manufacturing strengths into space-grade products. These findings can serve as a reference for the Industrial Development Administration, ITRI, and TLEOSIA in facilitating Taiwan-UK industry matchmaking and supply-chain integration.
5. Expanding Cooperation in Satellite Applications, Multi-Orbit Networks, and Data Services by Connecting with Taiwan’s Software and Digital Industry Capabilities
In addition to satellite hardware and communications technologies, the visit also focused on satellite applications and digital industry cooperation. The Taiwan delegation introduced Taiwan’s satellite communications application services, satellite communication simulators, multi-orbit/multi-constellation smart gateways, and application demonstration initiatives, and exchanged views with UK counterparts on use cases including maritime services, disaster response, agriculture, transportation, remote areas, and critical government communications. Open Cosmos further introduced the API-first architecture of Data Cosmos, onboard AI, and real-time satellite data services, demonstrating how third-party software and value-added service providers can leverage satellite data, AI, cloud computing, and communications capabilities to develop new vertical applications. Through these exchanges, initial cooperation opportunities were identified by combining Taiwan’s strengths in software, AI, cloud computing, and application services with the UK’s satellite constellations, data platforms, and communications services. Future cooperation could leverage PoCs, cross-border field validation, and application service matchmaking to help Taiwan’s digital industry lower barriers to entry into the satellite applications market.
6. Understanding the UK’s Space Policy and Industry Development Mechanisms and Establishing Long-Term Taiwan-UK Cooperation and Program Coordination Channels
The delegation visited the UK Space Agency (UKSA) and Satellite Applications Catapult (SAC) to gain insights into the UK’s space and satellite communications policies, international cooperation mechanisms, and approaches to industry commercialization. The UK side introduced the International Bilateral Fund (IBF) as an important funding mechanism for cooperation with non-ESA countries and explained how it supports joint international R&D in satellite communications, optical technologies, and other critical space technologies. SAC supports companies in transitioning from R&D to commercialization through technology facilities, industry support, investment matchmaking, and international market linkages. The visit also helped establish communication channels between NGCO and relevant UK government, academic, research, and space industry stakeholders, while identifying potential areas for future cooperation, including IBF, C-LEO, SAC industry matchmaking, Taiwan-UK joint PoCs, testbed interconnection, and supply-chain collaboration. Going forward, NGCO may work with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Digital Affairs, and relevant research institutions to maintain engagement with UK counterparts around key areas such as “6G/NTN joint validation,” “satellite supply chains,” “space-grade electronics and in-orbit validation,” and “satellite application services,” gradually transforming one-time visits and exchanges into concrete technology cooperation and industry linkages.