THE Malaysian Space Agency (Mysa) is actively seeking collaborations with both public and private entities to establish a rocket launch site, revealed Mysa director-general Azlikamil Napiah.
Speaking to news portal Free Malaysia Today, Azlikamil outlined plans to partner with local companies already engaged with international counterparts possessing the necessary expertise.
“We plan to create partnerships with local companies who are collaborating with international partners already capable of developing such a project.
“We also seek collaborations with state governments that could host the launch site to possibly finance the project or handle operational matters,” he explained.
The initiative could kick off as early as 2026/2027 if the feasibility study yields positive outcomes, according to Azlikamil.
The announcement coincides with the launch of World Space Week: Malaysian Chapter, running from Oct 4 to 10. The event aims to celebrate space entrepreneurship featuring notable events like the 8th International Conference of Space Science and Communication and the Sub-Committee on Space Technology and Applications Expert Exchange Seminar.
“We aim to share how Malaysia would take the lead in implementing policies related to this new sector, and explore collaborations to ensure this industry’s contribution to the country’s economy,” said Azlikamil.
India’s High Commissioner to Malaysia BN Reddy also expressed enthusiasm about potential collaborations between the two countries in the field of space.
“India’s proven expertise in the field, including in remote sensing, small satellite missions and geospatial applications, has benefitted more than 20 Malaysian space experts over the years,” Bernama quoted him as saying in an article titled “Paving the Pathways for an Asian Century – India’s Chandrayaan-3 Success”.
Earlier in May, the Malaysian Space Industry Corporation (Masic) was launched, aligning with the Malaysia Space Exploration Action Plan 2030 and the Space Industry Strategic Plan.
“Masic’s vision is to establish a dynamic space industry ecosystem that promotes Malaysian space capabilities, while also attracting investment, talent and partnerships from around the world,” said its pro tem president Kamarul Redzuan. – Oct 5, 2023
Main photo credit: Mysa
