(Kuching, Jan 4) T The study report for developing an air-launch system to deploy Sarawak's first satellite is expected to be completed within six months starting from February.
According to the Founder of Spaceport Malaysia, Norul Ridzuan Zakaria, the study report will be submitted to the Sarawak Government in phases before being finalised based on the region's specific needs.
In line with this, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony was held between Astrum Dynamic Sdn Bhd, Spaceport Malaysia, and Spaceport Malaysia Sarawak at a leading hotel here, on Friday to initiate collaboration for the study.
Norul explained that the decision to launch the Sarawak Light Airlaunch System for High-Altitude and Orbital Access (SLASH) took into account safety factors and Sarawak's strategic landscape suitability.
"One of our efforts to minimise safety risks is to launch the SLASH system, as half of the system utilises regular aircraft that can operate from any airport.
"We will avoid using conventional multi-stage rockets that still require rocket parts to be dropped into the sea or neighbouring countries," he said during a press conference following the MoU ceremony.
Commenting on the need for satellites in Sarawak, he said that the study would focus on the Sarawak Government’s requirements to determine the payload to be launched using the microsatellite.
To complement this initiative, the development of a series of small-scale microsatellites has been proposed, with the first in the series named ‘Kenyalang-1’, featuring super-spectrum imaging technology.
This technology will enable Kenyalang-1 to differentiate and categorise images clearly by spectrum colours, benefiting the agriculture, forestry, urban planning, and environmental observation sectors.
"This super-spectrum imaging technology allows Sarawak's satellite to produce clearer images which can be utilized by clients worldwide,” he added.
Earlier in his speech, Norul mentioned that Sarawak was chosen as the satellite launch site due to its suitability, including the region's vast land area, the longest one-directional coastline, expansive forests and seas, and the longest river.
In line with this, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony was held between Astrum Dynamic Sdn Bhd, Spaceport Malaysia, and Spaceport Malaysia Sarawak at a leading hotel here, on Friday to initiate collaboration for the study.
Norul explained that the decision to launch the Sarawak Light Airlaunch System for High-Altitude and Orbital Access (SLASH) took into account safety factors and Sarawak's strategic landscape suitability.
"One of our efforts to minimise safety risks is to launch the SLASH system, as half of the system utilises regular aircraft that can operate from any airport.
"We will avoid using conventional multi-stage rockets that still require rocket parts to be dropped into the sea or neighbouring countries," he said during a press conference following the MoU ceremony.
Commenting on the need for satellites in Sarawak, he said that the study would focus on the Sarawak Government’s requirements to determine the payload to be launched using the microsatellite.
To complement this initiative, the development of a series of small-scale microsatellites has been proposed, with the first in the series named ‘Kenyalang-1’, featuring super-spectrum imaging technology.
This technology will enable Kenyalang-1 to differentiate and categorise images clearly by spectrum colours, benefiting the agriculture, forestry, urban planning, and environmental observation sectors.
"This super-spectrum imaging technology allows Sarawak's satellite to produce clearer images which can be utilized by clients worldwide,” he added.
Earlier in his speech, Norul mentioned that Sarawak was chosen as the satellite launch site due to its suitability, including the region's vast land area, the longest one-directional coastline, expansive forests and seas, and the longest river.