– TiSpace, a Taiwanese rocket startup, aims to become the first foreign company to launch a rocket from Japan as early as 2025. They plan to launch a suborbital sounding rocket from Hokkaido.
– This would be a test of Japan’s plans to become a space hub in Asia and boost its domestic space industry. However, some see potential geopolitical issues with Taiwan given its complex relationship with China.
– Regulatory approvals are still needed, especially around communications equipment. But local officials support it as a way to bring business to the rural region and see it as symbolic of Taiwan-Japan ties.
– Japan wants its private space sector to grow and support more launches. While government focuses on Japanese rockets, some openness to foreign companies could help. TiSpace believes their launch would attract other foreign customers.
– Success could help TiSpace’s plans to expand manufacturing in Japan and serve local firms like propulsion startup Letara. It’s seen as a test case for Japan opening up to space commercial activity beyond just government launches.
Source: Reuters
