Malaysia has the potential of becoming a hub for the rocket technology industry and satellite launch vehicles in Southeast Asia.
This is due to the country having various necessary facilities such as equipment, work spaces, permits and approval from local authorities (PBT).
Founder and chief executive officer of Equatorial Space System (ESS) headquartered in Singapore, Simon Gwozoz, stated that Malaysia also has partnerships that are conducive for launching safer and more affordable rockets.
“With this technology, we aim to expand human accomplishments in space exploration by making it safer and more efficient.
“I don’t see why Southeast Asia can’t be a rocket launch economic hub in the future. Malaysia, with its amazing synergy, also has the potential and we’ll be coming back for sure.”
He told Ipoh Echo so after a Low-Altitude Demonstrator (LAD) rocket test launch at Felcra Seberang Perak today (December 21).
The test launch is jointly done by ESS with Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), MTC Engineering Sdn Bhd and Universiti Sains Malaysia.
The Head of UiTM-MTC High Energy Material Research Laboratory (HEMREL), Dr Zuraidah Salleh said that more test launches will be done in years to come.
“With this cooperative effort, we’ve successfully launched the 1.5-metre long rocket this morning.
“All systems are developed by ESS, while we, UiTM and MTC supported the programme by providing equipment spaces and labs in UiTM.
“Hopefully, we’ll be able to organise a similar programme like this next year, with more latest technology,” she expressed.
Rosli Mansor
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