Taiwan aims to launch its first self-made space rocket by 2034: NSTC

Taipei, May 29 (CNA) Taiwan aims to launch its first home-built space rocket capable of carrying a 200-kilogram satellite into orbit by 2034, National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) head Wu Cheng-wen (吳誠文) said Thursday.

Wu made the remarks while soliciting support from lawmakers during a legislative committee session when asked whether he had confidence in the passage in the Legislative Yuan of the NTSC's revised proposal for the third phase of its space program, which involves an additional budget of over NT$40 billion (US$1.34 billion).

The Legislative Yuan's Education and Culture Committee convened the meeting to deliberate 22 budget freezes related to the NSTC within the 2025 central government general budget.

The revised third phase of the space technology long-term development program, which has a primary focus of satellite development, also includes plans critical to Taiwan's development of a domestically built launch rocket, Wu indicated, adding that Taiwan still needs to establish a national launch site and a rocket research facility.

He reiterated that a domestically developed rocket is expected to launch a 200-kg satellite into orbit by 2034.

Turning to plans for international cooperation in space, Wu said the nation's capabilities in satellite design and development are gradually being recognized and more international partners are showing an interest in collaborating with Taiwan.

He added that the third phase space program is also expected to foster a related industrial supply chain, thereby promoting the development of the space industry.

At the session, Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) Director General Wu Jong-shinn (吳宗信) also said that Taiwan's rocket development plan will adopt liquid-fueled engines and that related technologies would be acquired through expanded international cooperation.