By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 3: A 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.
Spaceport Malaysia founder, Norul Ridzuan Zakaria, said 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) was signed at a leading hotel here today, marking the initiation of collaboration for the study between Astrum Dynamic Sdn Bhd, Spaceport Malaysia, and Spaceport Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) reported.
Norul explained that the decision to launch the Sarawak Light Airlaunch System for High-Altitude and Orbital Access (SLASH) took into account both safety factors and the suitability of Sarawak’s strategic landscape.
“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, which still require rocket parts to be dropped into the sea or neighbouring countries,” he said during a press conference after the MoU signing ceremony.
Commenting on the need for satellites in Sarawak, he said the study would focus on determining the Sarawak Government’s requirements for 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’.
This satellite will feature super-spectrum imaging technology, which enables it to differentiate and categorise images clearly by spectrum colours. The technology will benefit sectors such as agriculture, forestry, urban planning, and environmental observation.
“This super-spectrum imaging technology will allow Sarawak’s satellite to produce clearer images that can be utilised by clients worldwide,” he added.
Earlier in his speech, Norul mentioned that Sarawak was chosen as the satellite launch site due to its geographical suitability, including the region’s vast land area, the longest one-directional coastline, expansive forests and seas, and the longest river. – DayakDaily
