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As the West explores new frontiers, South-east Asia is looking back down at Earth from space

Earth observation data sees ‘increasingly pragmatic’ use in trade-heavy corridors and across archipelagos

Evan See
Published Mon, Jun 8, 2026 · 02:27 PM
    • Through such satellites, businesses have access to a large variety of earth observation data created at various resolutions and spectral bands.
    • Through such satellites, businesses have access to a large variety of earth observation data created at various resolutions and spectral bands. PHOTO: BT FILE

    [SINGAPORE] While space exploration, lunar missions, rocket launches and the largest initial public offering in history have dominated headlines in the West’s space race, South-east Asia is finding value in space – much closer to earth.

    As Elon Musk’s SpaceX prepares to go public in a record US$75 billion offering, South-east Asia’s private sector involvement in the space race has become increasingly tied to earth observation (EO) data from which organisations can make decisions, experts told The Business Times.

    Increasing adoption of such data from the public and private sector is expected to offer the regional economy a significant boost – Deloitte estimates that the EO industry could contribute an additional US$100 billion to the region’s gross domestic product by 2030.