Foxconn Technology Group is showcasing its latest developments in next-generation satellite communications at the Taiwan International Assembly of Space Science, Technology, and Industry (TASTI 2026), held November 8-10 at the Greater Tainan Convention and Exhibition Center.
Under the theme "Next-Generation Satellite Communications," Foxconn is presenting a model of its second-generation Pearl low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which successfully launched earlier this year. Together with its partners, the company is also exhibiting technologies spanning satellite communication modules, phased array antennas, LEO satellite user terminals, and key wiring solutions. These demonstrations highlight Foxconn's progress from single-satellite in-orbit verification to dual-satellite collaborative communications and its expanding portfolio of space technology applications.
The second-generation Pearl satellites, PEARL-1A and PEARL-1B, were successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on May 3, 2026 (Taipei time), entering their designated orbit approximately 600 kilometers above Earth. Both satellites retain the 6U XL architecture of the first-generation Pearl satellites and weigh approximately 9.5 kilograms each. Designed to validate payload technologies for communications and space science, the satellites have a planned operational mission life of five years.
The exhibition model highlights the architecture and mission design of the second-generation satellites, demonstrating the technological evolution from first-generation single-satellite verification to a dual-satellite mission.
"The successful deployment of the second-generation Pearl twin satellites marks an important step beyond first-generation single-satellite system verification toward dual-satellite collaborative communications and space science missions," said Wu Renming, director of the Next Generation Communications Research Institute at Foxconn Research Institute. "Through in-orbit experiments involving inter-satellite links, ionospheric observation, and satellite-to-Earth broadband communications, we will continue to build flight experience and operational expertise with our independently developed satellites. These capabilities will help us develop scalable, integrable technologies for industrial applications."
Compared with the first-generation Pearl satellite, which focused on broadband communication experiments and system verification between satellites and ground stations, the second-generation satellites incorporate a Ka-band inter-satellite link (ISL) payload. This enables broadband communications with ground stations while also validating data transmission capabilities between the two satellites.
The satellites also carry compact ionospheric detectors and solar panels to support space environment observations and scientific experiments. These missions will help Foxconn further develop its expertise in satellite design, system integration, in-orbit operations, and mission management.
Beyond satellite platforms, Foxconn is highlighting its capabilities in communications technology, hardware design, and system integration. Featured technologies include a 5G TN/NTN user terminal (UT) modem module, which combines MediaTek 5G communication chips with Foxconn's hardware design and system integration expertise to support 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) applications.
The company is also presenting a phased array module that uses RF high-frequency beamforming technology to enhance LEO satellite communication performance, along with an RF up/down converter module featuring a modular design compatible with different generations of analog modems. Together, these solutions demonstrate Foxconn's capabilities across communication modules, RF technology, antenna systems, and system integration.
Looking ahead to the growing demands of space computing and artificial intelligence (AI), Foxconn is leveraging its strengths in AI, computing, communications, key components, precision manufacturing, system integration, and advanced thermal management, including liquid cooling technology. The company is conducting early-stage research into critical challenges such as efficient heat dissipation and thermal conduction to prepare for the potential extension of AI data center technologies into satellite and space computing applications.
Foxconn is also expanding collaboration with industry, government, academia, research institutions, and international partners to develop the technologies needed for next-generation space communications and infrastructure. Its efforts extend from LEO satellite communications and non-terrestrial networks to emerging opportunities in space computing and advanced space infrastructure.
As the exclusive sponsor of the Supply Chain Zone at this year's exhibition, Foxconn is showcasing its latest technologies at Booths W173 and W217 on the first floor of the West Exhibition Area. The company is also hosting technical exchange activities throughout the event, inviting industry, government, academic, and research representatives to explore opportunities in LEO satellites, non-terrestrial networks, next-generation space communications, and future space computing.
