Satellite Initiatives in Malaysia

• In 1992, MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn Bhd (“MEASAT”), formerly known as Binariang Sdn Bhd, was given the charter to develop Malaysia’s first satellite communications system.

• Astronautic Technology Sdn Bhd (“ATSB”) was established in 1995 as a wholly owned company under the Ministry of Finance, that focus on research and development in the area of design and space-qualified system employing advanced and innovative technologies. However, the company was no longer in operation as of March 2020.

• The Malaysian Centre of Remote Sensing (“MACRES”) was established in 1988 with the role of implementing research and development in application of space remote sensing and related technologies as well as distribution of remote sensing satellite data.  In 2008, MACRES was upgraded as a full government department and known as Malaysian Remote Sensing Agency (“ARSM”).

• The Malaysian National Space Agency (“ANGKASA”) was established in 2002 with the mandate to legislate policy and rules, coordinate, implement and monitor space activities in Malaysia. Subsequently, the Malaysian Space Agency (“MYSA”) was established  in 2019 through the merging of ARSM and ANGKASA.

National Space Policy 2030

• Malaysian Government approved the National Space Policy 2030 on 7 February 2017 – that aimed to ensure benefits could be obtained from the space sector and contribute toward a new and strategic economic growth.

• The policy will enable Malaysia to safeguard the interest of the country by recognizing the needs for access to space capabilities in order to improve the services to the nation and uphold national security, as well as to monitor and supervise its national space activities effectively in accordance with the relevant international law.

Malaysian Space Board Bill 2020

• The Malaysian Government had gazetted the Malaysian Space Board Act 2022 (Act 834) on 25 January 2022 to establish the Malaysian Space Board – to enforce and regulate certain space activities in order to ensure that the country's space activities are carried out in accordance with the relevant rules and guidelines as agreed at the international level as well as to allow better coordination of space activities and to harness potential in improving country’s economy and security as well as global standing.

• Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (“MOSTI”) through MYSA is responsible for satellite registration at UNOOSA – registration of space objects launched into outer space to ensure the development and management of the national space section in a strategic, organized and comprehensive manner.