FMT:
Malaysia aims for own rocket launch pad by 2029
The national space agency says three locations, in Pahang, Sarawak and Sabah, have been shortlisted
A file photo of a rocket launch pad in Australia. Malaysia hopes to build it own rocket launch pad by 2029. (Gilmore Space pic)
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is poised to become Southeast Asia’s first nation with its own rocket launch pad by 2029, with three locations shortlisted in Pahang, Sarawak, and Sabah, according to the Malaysian Space Agency.
The agency’s director-general, Azlikamil Napiah, said three parties have shown interest in carrying out the project, with one of them submitting a full feasibility study report last week. The report will be evaluated within 90 days of submission, he said.
Azlikamil said the project would include creating Malaysia’s own earth observation satellite, building a space city, and offering rocket launch services, Bernama reported.
The launch pad will be built as a public-private partnership, sharing costs between the government and private investors. Work is expected to begin in early 2029, after all required approvals and groundwork are finalised.
“Interested foreign investors must collaborate with local companies and obtain approval from the respective state governments on land matters,” he told reporters in Sungai Besar, Selangor.
Azlikamil said Malaysia’s geographical location along the Equator provided an advantage, enabling more efficient rocket launches with reduced fuel costs.
The launch pad project could generate over RM10 billion in gross domestic product if Malaysia establishes itself as a regional leader in the burgeoning space industry, he said.
The agency’s director-general, Azlikamil Napiah, said three parties have shown interest in carrying out the project, with one of them submitting a full feasibility study report last week. The report will be evaluated within 90 days of submission, he said.
Azlikamil said the project would include creating Malaysia’s own earth observation satellite, building a space city, and offering rocket launch services, Bernama reported.
The launch pad will be built as a public-private partnership, sharing costs between the government and private investors. Work is expected to begin in early 2029, after all required approvals and groundwork are finalised.
“Interested foreign investors must collaborate with local companies and obtain approval from the respective state governments on land matters,” he told reporters in Sungai Besar, Selangor.
Azlikamil said Malaysia’s geographical location along the Equator provided an advantage, enabling more efficient rocket launches with reduced fuel costs.
The launch pad project could generate over RM10 billion in gross domestic product if Malaysia establishes itself as a regional leader in the burgeoning space industry, he said.
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For effective liftoff to escape Earth's gravitational forces, the site is best situated as near to the Equator as possible, and the liftoff should ideally be launched Eastwards.
That rules Sabah out.
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