PENANG, 12 November 2023 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and SpaceIn Sdn. Bhd, a USM spin-off company involved in small satellites and Internet of Things (IoT) services, have launched Malaysia’s first picosatellite, SpaceANT-D today.

The satellite was carried onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that took off from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California at 2.47 am local time.

SpaceANT-D will be deployed by Alba Orbital in seven to 10 days and the first signals will be beamed to an earthbound station.

Measuring no more than 5 cubic centimeters and weighing less than 250 grams, this satellite marks a significant milestone in Malaysia’s space technology and exploration endeavours.

Designed fully by a team of Malaysian lecturers and engineers from USM and developed by SpaceIn Sdn. Bhd., in collaboration with the Malaysian Amateur Radio Transmitters’ Society (MARTS), the picosatellite’s core function is demonstrating the storage and transmission of data for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, targeting sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and oil and gas.

SpaceANT-D’s development was facilitated through funding from different channels/sources, including a grant from an accelerator programme run by Teraju and funds from Cradlefund.

This financial backup emphasises the dedication to nurturing local talent and advancing Malaysia’s space industry.

Dr. Norilmi Amilia Ismail, CEO of SpaceIn, and a lecturer at the USM School of Aerospace Engineering, underlined the potential of affordable satellite technology in tackling various industrial and everyday issues.

She focused on improving connectivity and delivering valuable data to diverse sectors including the sectors mentioned above.

The triumphant launch of SpaceANT-D aligns with Malaysia’s Space Exploration 2030 initiative, further boosting the country’s ambitions in space exploration and technology.

Furthermore, the partnership between academia, industry, and amateur radio enthusiasts represents the collaborative approach crucial for advancing research and development in the space technology sector.

Editing: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: Dr. Norilmi Amilia