Singapore launches regional satellite technology plan, invests another S$60 million in space sector
The Republic will also work more closely with Europe and India’s space agencies
SINGAPORE is putting another S$60 million towards developing satellite technology, among other space industry moves – including a regional satellite imaging project – Singapore’s Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn) announced on Wednesday (Feb 26).
The funds, to be invested in the existing Space Technology Development Programme (STDP), will also be used to improve the capabilities of Singapore’s research and learning institutions and bolster the commercialisation of their research.
Deputy Prime Minister and Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong said rapid technological advancements are accelerating the growth of the space industry – in particular, satellite deployments – while the demand for greater connectivity and mobility will propel the growth of space-based applications.
Singapore can be a key hub of ideas, innovation and impact for the global space economy with its strengths in business, industry and research ecosystems, he said, by focusing on relevant use cases of both economic and strategic value to the Republic, and strengthening international partnerships.
He was speaking at the Global Space Technology Convention and Exhibition held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.
OSTIn, which is part of the Economic Development Board, said the STDP injection will be invested over a roughly two-year period from 2025 to 2027.
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Funding for projects will take place during that period, although the execution of these projects could take four to five years.
This follows the first S$150 million tranche of STDP funding for 2021 to 2025, which has ended.
STDP was started to help develop space-related capabilities to support the aviation, maritime and sustainability sectors, as well as technologies to help Singapore’s competitiveness in the area.
While Singapore’s space industry is still at an early stage of development, global trends mean new opportunities that countries such as Singapore are well-positioned to tap, said Jonathan Hung, executive director of OSTIn.
“Singapore aspires not just to be consumers of space technology, but active contributors to the global space ecosystem,” he said. “We are very keen and ready to move into our next phase of growth and development for the space sector.”
The sector currently employs around 2,000 people across 70 companies, up from 1,000 people and 30 companies in 2019.
Eye in the sky
Besides fostering the local space industry, OSTIn is building international partnerships and developing programmes to solve real-world problems.
Among the latter is a new satellite technology project, the Earth Observation Initiative, which aims to benefit the Asia-Pacific region.
In Earth observation, various technologies – typically satellites – are used to monitor changes in the physical environment. Software is then used to analyse data or make predictions.
This initiative will use remote-sensing satellite technology to analyse and solve regional sustainability and humanitarian challenges such as food and water quality; disaster and disease monitoring; and disaster monitoring and relief.
With OSTIn as the programme manager, the initiative will bring together 15 participating partners and members, including the World Bank, World Economic Forum, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and Mekong River Commission Secretariat.
The Singapore Land Authority (SLA) also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with OSTIn to collaborate on the Earth Observation Initiative and jointly develop Singapore’s space technology sector.
Projects under it will be funded by STDP, and OSTIn will issue calls for proposals later this year.
As for international partnerships, OSTIn intends to formalise an engagement with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre on cooperation in space technology and industry development, and signed a letter of intent with the European Space Agency. Both aim to enhance research and development and industry cooperation.
The two-day convention, which is organised by Singapore Space & Technology, also saw other developments in the sector.
SLA signed an additional MOU with the National University of Singapore Centre for Remote Imaging, Sensing and Processing to collaborate on remote sensing and geospatial applications.
ST Engineering subsidiary ST Engineering Geo-Insights signed an MOU with situational-awareness provider LeoLabs to establish a Space Situational Awareness Centre in Singapore to serve the region.
Another subsidiary, ST Engineering Satellite Systems, is working with Singapore startup Transcelestial on high-bandwidth laser communications between satellites.
Unseenlabs, a French company specialising in space-based radio detection for the maritime sector, opened a new regional office in Singapore – its first outside its home country.
It is projected that the global space economy will grow to US$1.8 trillion by 2035, up from US$630 billion in 2023.
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