By Mohd Hafiz Ariffin (hafiz@might.org.my)
When we talk about space missions – rockets, satellites, and other technologies – the phrase “flight heritage” often comes up. But what does it really mean?
In simple terms, flight heritage refers to components or technologies that have already been used successfully in space. They’ve been tested, survived the harsh space environment, and proven that they work. That stamp of approval means a lot – it tells future customers, investors, and mission planners that this component is reliable with minimal risk and maximise confidence in mission success and ultimately reduced cost to space (less testing and lower insurance costs).
Why Is Flight Heritage So Important?
Space missions are expensive and risky. Using parts that have already flown and worked helps reduce that risk. For companies selling space components, having flight heritage is like having a trusted brand. It builds confidence, makes it easier to win contracts, and speeds up the adoption of their products.
Take SpaceX, for example, their Dragon capsule was first launched in 2012 to carry cargo to the International Space Station. After repeated successful missions, it earned enough trust and credibility to eventually carry astronauts. That leap wouldn’t have been possible without a solid flight record.
Similarly, Europe’s Atlas programme helped new technologies gain flight experience by allowing them to hitch a ride on commercial satellites. One such project, involving Thales Alenia Space, demonstrated advanced systems on the Eutelsat-8 West-B satellite. Once proven in space, those systems became easier to market and adopt.
Even NASA follows this path. Through structured funding programs, NASA supports early-stage technologies and gives them flight opportunities. Their Discovery Programme has helped new instruments get tested on missions like the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, making it easier for those tools to be used in future, larger missions.
Solving the Space Industry Catch-22
Now, Malaysia is stepping into this exciting but challenging space. It is perhaps a bold thing to do for a country like Malaysia but space is here to stay as we see global economy and investments in space continue to expand and widen into new technologies and solutions – and as a major trading country and user of technology – Malaysia cannot afford to miss this train. We’re looking to build and supply our own space components – but we face the same problem that many new players do: how do you prove your parts work in space, if no one has used them yet?
This is known as the “chicken-and-egg” problem. We need spaceflight experience to sell our parts, but we need customers to get that experience in the first place. Setting up factories, getting certifications, and flying a component in space takes a lot of time and money.
So, what’s the solution?
The answer lies in strategic government support. Since developing the space industry is part of Malaysia’s national vision, the government must take the lead – especially in the early stages. This includes funding, policy support, facilitation of regulatory and licensing processes, and most importantly, acting as the first customer.
Although Malaysia does not yet have a strong track record of flight heritage, it has built relevant institutional experience. For instance:
TiungSAT-1 provided hands-on earth observation satellite mission design & system engineering and process, launch and in-orbit operations.
MEASAT series satellite operations over the decades have established expertise in geostationary communications.
RazakSAT full-cycle design, development, launch and operations of high resolution earth observation satellite system.
CubeSat programs that help to build local research and industry capacity in spacetech and space ecosystem.
These experiences can form the foundation of a new, more strategic push into upstream activities – provided they are supported by targeted investments and clear programmatic direction.
Riding the PSPJN Opportunity
One way forward is through the National Remote Sensing Satellite Project (Projek Satelit Penderiaan Jauh Negara, PSPJN). This upcoming mission can provide an ideal testbed for Malaysian-made components. We can take a page from ESA’s Atlas programme, where new technologies get a ride as secondary payloads on main missions. This helps small players build their flight record without having to develop and launch whole satellite systems.
By doing something similar with PSPJN, we can help local developers get the real-world experience they need. It is a win-win: the government supports local innovation, and our companies gain flight heritage that opens the door to future sales and collaborations.
Building the Future, One Flight at a Time
If Malaysia is serious about building a space industry, building flight heritage must become a national imperative. This means moving from ad hoc missions to a structured, long-term approach to technology validation.
Government-led programs must allocate funding not just for satellite missions but for component development, environmental testing, and space qualification. Public-private partnerships, academic collaborations, and international alliances should be used to fast-track the development process.
Also very importantly, there must be room for learning from failures. Not every component will work perfectly the first time, but every launch provides data, experience, and growth.
Flight heritage isn’t just a badge of honor. It is the key to unlocking our place in the global space economy.
