TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan Space Agency (TASA, 國家太空中心) and Pingtung County Government (屏東縣政府) announced the second Rocket Taiwan Cup competition Tuesday (Oct. 21), scheduled for late July 2026. The national space competition aims to foster space education and innovation through hands-on rocket development experience for students and professionals.
Competition organizers introduced new categories including a 3-kilometer division for university and social groups, expanding participation to international students. TASA Director Wu Jong-shinn (吳宗信) explained teams must handle rocket design and structural integration while Taiwan's space agency provides standard propulsion systems. Wu emphasized gradual alignment with international aerospace standards, potentially including international teams in demonstration categories.
Pingtung County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi (周春米) described the competition as the southern Taiwan county's first youth-focused space technology event. She expressed hopes that professional collaboration would expand participation and integrate space education into local communities and schools. The inaugural RTC attracted over 600 high school and college students, with 15 teams advancing to finals.
County officials emphasized the competition enables youth to construct their own rockets while strengthening local aerospace education in rocket science and systems engineering. Authorities aim to cultivate interdisciplinary innovation skills, establishing foundations for Taiwan's emerging space industry. Officials encourage nationwide participation from high schools, universities, and young professionals to support Taiwan's rocket development ambitions. ◼