AFTER an agreement was signed on Friday (June 23) to assess the feasibility and suitability for the construction of the Sabah International Space Launch Industry Centre, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that if it became a reality, it would be the 16th spot for such facilities in the world.
“This will put Malaysia as the ninth country in the world to have space launch facilities,” he said when witnessing the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU).
“If it materialises, we can see the development of at least 300 to 500 downstream aerospace-related companies opening up to support the aerospace launching facility.”
The study which is expected to last between six and 12 months, will thoroughly examine various aspects related to the project.
The MOU was signed between the Sabah Science, Technology, and Innovation, Sovereign Segalang (SSSB) and Ukraine-based Yuzhnoye State Design Office (YSOD) during the Sabah Science Awards ceremony on Friday (June 23).
The entire cost would be fully borne by SSSB and YSOD.
In February, the Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif said if a study conducted by a local company gives a positive indication, Sabah will build the ‘Space Launching Facility’.
The initiative, Arifin said, would boost Sabah’s ability to become a leading state in the context of the high-level transfer of knowledge and technology in aerospace in Malaysia.
According to Hajiji, the project will also create about 90 high-income jobs as well as some 5,000 employment opportunities that would bring about economic benefits for the state. – June 24, 2023
Main photo credit: The Star
