IN a significant achievement for Malaysia’s space endeavours, Nibong Tebal-based small satellite manufacturer SpaceIn successfully launched its indigenous pico satellite, SpaceANT-D, into space today at 2.47am local time.
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA, carried the satellite.
Weighing less than 250 grams and measuring 5x5x5 cubic centimetres, SpaceANT-D aims to showcase its capabilities in storing and forwarding data for IoT applications.
The satellite will receive ground sensor data, transmitting it back to the ground station, and subsequently, the cloud for user-friendly data retrieval.
SpaceANT-D, deployed from AlbaPod, is expected to establish its first communication with the ground station within the next seven to 10 days, according to a statement from SpaceIn.
This achievement results from collaborative efforts between Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), SpaceIn Sdn Bhd, and the Malaysian Amateur Radio Transmitters Society (MARTS).
SpaceIn chief executive officer Dr Norilmi Amilia Ismail expressed excitement about the historic milestone, emphasising the encouragement to promote cost-effective satellite platforms for IoT applications.
The success aligns with Malaysia’s Space Exploration 2030 initiative and underscores USM and SpaceIn’s commitment to fostering local talent and advancing the country’s space industry.
Dr Norilmi highlighted SpaceIn’s future direction, focusing on utilising satellite technology to enhance connectivity and provide valuable data to industries such as agriculture, forestry, and oil and gas, contributing to efficiency and sustainability.
SpaceIn Sdn Bhd is a spin-off company of Universiti Sains Malaysia and is one of the winners of the Skim Usahawan Permulaan Bumiputera (SUPERB) accelerator programme by TERAJU.
It has utilised the grant to develop SpaceANT-D, marking a significant stride in Malaysia’s space exploration aspirations.
Story by Norman Sim
Pix by courtesy of SpaceIn