Taiwan Secures Proposal Opportunity for NASA's Lunar Program; Space Center Aims to Form National Team

A new milestone in Taiwan-US space cooperation has been reached as Taiwan obtains its first opportunity to submit proposals for NASA's Artemis lunar program. Wu Jong-shinn, Director General of the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), firmly stated that with Taiwan's leading position in semiconductors and IC industries, 'we have the strength to play an important role.' The space center will inventory the capabilities of Taiwanese firms, integrate resources from industry, academia, and research, and strive to form a national team to position itself in the lunar economy. This breakthrough was highlighted by the visit of Taiwanese-American NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren. NASA's Artemis program plans a crewed lunar landing by 2028 and a permanent moon base by 2030. Although Taiwan has not signed the Artemis Accords, Wu was invited to an international partners meeting at NASA headquarters, where he pitched Taiwan's industrial advantages directly to NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, stating 'Taiwan is the best' in chips for automation. NASA's RFI for 32 technology gaps is Taiwan's first chance to propose solutions. Wu expressed his excitement, seeing it as a critical opportunity to shift from component manufacturing to system integration, directly engaging with the end-user, NASA. This move is seen as strategically vital for elevating Taiwan's industrial value chain. The plan is to focus on system-level contributions and key, versatile technologies. With Taiwan's space industry valued at nearly NT$300 billion, this is expected to drive new growth, with government support pledged by President Lai Ching-te. The potential passage of the 'TASA Act' in the US Congress would further formalize direct cooperation between TASA, NASA, and NOAA.