Space Expo opens Lai Qingde: The total funding for the third phase of the National Long-range Development Plan has been increased to 71 billion

"2026 Taiwan Space International Annual Conference and Space Industry Expo" (TASTI 2026) opened today. President Lai Ching-te emphasized that "investing in space is investing in our common future." He will continue to promote the third phase of the National Space Science and Technology Development Long-range Plan, with the total funding increased to 71 billion yuan, and the implementation period also extended to 2031. Facing the rapid development of the global space industry, the government will be the strongest backing for the industry, support independent technology research and development, deepen international cooperation, and let Taiwan's scientific and technological strength become a new driving force for mankind to fly into the universe.

The event is co-organized by the National Space Center and the Nanjing City Government. With the theme of "Trusted in Space, Resilient on Earth", the event is connected with the 15th Nanosatellite Conference and the 9th Asia-Oceania Space Weather Alliance. It plans 3 major themes, 28 forums and exhibitions, covering satellite technology, next-generation communications, space industry applications, as well as international cooperation, space resilience and other fields, providing a platform for scientific research, technology and industry exchanges.

Lai Ching-te said that in his inauguration speech two years ago, he listed competing for space and exploring the ocean as the country's development direction, supporting domestic teams to independently develop satellites and rockets, and building the necessary testing and launch facilities, so that Taiwan will gradually have the ability to send self-made satellites into space, and will also drive more local manufacturers. Businesses participate in the space industry, and every government investment in space technology must ultimately be transformed into a force that protects the country and improves people's lives. Through cooperation with relevant ministries and commissions, the National Science Council supports independent research and development of satellites and rockets, drives the development of the domestic supply chain, cultivates needed talents, and strengthens Taiwan's space strength.

Lai Ching-te pointed out that in terms of infrastructure, it has been approved to establish a base for rocket R&D and assembly testing in Sharon, Tainan, and to build a national rocket launch site in Jiupeng, Pingtung, to strengthen independent research and development and supply chain capabilities. He hopes that through international cooperation and satellite technology applications, national security, disaster response, and social resilience will be improved, and Taiwan will become an important partner in the international space industry.

Mayor Huang Weizhe emphasized that he would fully cooperate with the central government to integrate exhibition, education, and park transportation resources, create a sound industrial development environment, promote exchanges and cooperation between industry, government, academia, and research, and bring Taiwan's space industry into line with the world. The event also gathered space agencies, academic research units, and industry representatives from 32 countries, attracting more than 3,500 registrations, exceeding Over 80 exhibitors participated in the event, and 68 foreign professional speakers and 51 domestic experts and scholars were invited to participate. The National Space Center also exhibited 1:1 models of five key satellite projects in recent years, as well as 1:2 models of orbital rockets and island pulse MARAHO sounding rockets, presenting Taiwan's space technology research and development results and industrial layout.