By Dr Elena Woo Lai Leng, Research Officer, Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA)
From MEASAT to Microsatellites: A Nation’s Space Story
Malaysia’s journey into space is not just a series of satellite launches – it is a story of vision, ambition and national development. It all began in 1996 with the launch of MEASAT-1, the country’s first communication satellite. This event officially marked Malaysia’s official entry into the satellite communications sector. MEASAT-2 soon followed it, and together, these satellites significantly expanded the nation’s capabilities in telecommunications, broadcasting and internet coverage, not only in Malaysia but also across the Southeast Asia region. These achievements are a source of pride and inspiration for our nation.
This initial success certainly inspired further ventures. In 2000, Malaysia launched TiungSAT-1, its first micro-satellite developed in collaboration with Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) from the United Kingdom. TiungSAT-1 is an earth observation satellite, designed and developed to demonstrate Malaysia’s emerging technical capabilities.
Another satellite, RazakSAT, launched in 2009, was a high-resolution earth observation satellite developed in collaboration with Satrec Initiative Co., Ltd. (SI) from South Korea. The geospatial data from RazakSAT was used for environmental monitoring and disaster management.
Although RazakSAT faced operational issues, it still serves as a critical learning experience, signalling Malaysia’s ambition not just to use, but to design and build space technologies.
Strengthening Institutions and Building Foundations
Malaysia’s space aspirations required strong institutions. In 1989, the Planetarium Division was established, evolving into the National Space Agency (ANGKASA) in 2002. ANGKASA took the lead in national space policies, space science education, infrastructure projects, and even the historic Angkasawan Programme, which sent the first Malaysian astronaut to space in 2007.
In parallel, the Malaysia Centre for Remote Sensing (MACRES) – later upgraded to the Remote Sensing Agency (ARSM) in 2008 – focused on acquiring and analysing satellite data to support agriculture, disaster response, urban planning and environmental monitoring.
A significant step forward came in 2019 when these two agencies merged to form the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA). This merger streamlined national efforts, bringing Earth observation, satellite development and space policy under one roof.
Building the Ecosystem:
Laying the Groundwork
In 1997, the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) recognised space as a strategic focus under the National Aerospace Blueprint. However, early national efforts leaned more towards aviation services and manufacturing, while the space sector remained relatively underdeveloped.
That changed in 2008 when SIRIM Berhad released a pivotal study calling for a dedicated space industry policy, steady funding and a specialised talent pipeline. These recommendations laid the groundwork for a more organised and strategic approach to space development.
Today’s Space Landscape:
Innovation on the Rise
Fast forward to today, Malaysia’s space ecosystem is gaining momentum. Recent satellite missions like MEASAT-3d, A-SEANSAT-PG1 and UZMASAT-1 – developed by homegrown companies such as Measat, Angkasa-X and UZMA – highlight local industry capability and ambition.
Academic institutions are also playing an increasingly active role. The Space-ANTD picosatellite by SpaceIn Sdn. Bhd. (a spin-off from Universiti Sains Malaysia), and UiTMSAT-1, a CubeSat developed by Universiti Teknologi MARA, show how universities are becoming innovation hubs.
In 2022, a comprehensive study by KPMG offered a clearer picture of Malaysia’s space economy, using the OECD’s four-sector framework:
Upstream – Involves designing and manufacturing satellites, launch vehicles and ground infrastructure. Malaysia is building its capabilities here, though international partnerships still play a key role.
Midstream – Includes the operation of satellites and the leasing of satellite capabilities. Companies like MEASAT represent this segment.
Downstream – End-user satellite data applications, including telecommunications, navigation and Earth observation. This is Malaysia’s most active space segment.
Space-derived activities – Sectors that benefit indirectly from space technologies, such as agriculture, defense and logistics.
Between 2017 and 2020, 63 space-related companies were active, mainly in downstream services. Despite the global slowdown in 2020, the sector still generated RM925 million in revenue. By 2023, space-linked companies rose to 79, with revenues up to RM1.05 billion, showing robust and diverse growth across the ecosystem.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
While progress is evident, there is still ground to cover. Malaysia’s space sector faces a few persistent challenges:
Upstream Capability Local satellite manufacturing and launch services are still developing. Strengthening this will unlock higher-value opportunities.
Policy Implementation The National Space Policy 2030, introduced in 2017, provides strong direction, but more effective execution is needed to fully realise its goals.
Specialised Talent Malaysia has a skilled workforce, but lacks critical mass in areas like systems engineering, payload design and orbital mechanics.
Industry-Academia Collaboration More strategic partnerships between universities and companies could speed up innovation.
Startup Support To grow and scale, space-related startups need better access to funding, visibility and global networks.
Space Industry Strategic Plan 2030:
A Brighter Horizon
In response, Malaysia has introduced the Space Industry Strategic Plan 2030 (SISP2030) a bold blueprint to shape the future. Its mission is to create a holistic, resilient and future-ready space industry by:
Developing local capabilities across the full space value chain
Encouraging innovation and private-sector participation
Establishing supportive laws and regulations
Investing in skilled talent and cutting-edge infrastructure
Enhancing international collaborations
This is more than a strategy – it’s a call to action for government, academia, and industry to work together toward a shared vision: making Malaysia a competitive player in the global space economy.
The Future is Up:
Malaysia’s Next Space Chapter
Malaysia’s space journey is one of learning, persistence, and aspiration. From launching communication satellites to building homegrown CubeSats, the country has built valuable experience and momentum.
Now, with the Space Industry Strategic Plan 2030 guiding the way, the opportunity is greater than ever. With the right investments in talent, technology, and partnerships, Malaysia can rise as a spacefaring nation – creating not just satellites, but solutions that benefit everyday lives.
As we look toward the stars, the real goal is clear: to ensure that all Malaysians can share in the opportunities that space has to offer.
