Sabah begins space launch centre sustainability studies

To new frontiers: Hajiji (standing third from right) witnessing the MOU signing ceremony the Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, SSSB, and YSOD during the Sabah Science Awards ceremony in Kota Kinabalu.

KOTA KINABALU: An agreement has been signed to assess the feasibility and suitability of the construction of the Sabah International Space Launch Industry Centre.

A six- to 12-month study is expected into all aspects, including the usability of the area, infrastructure suitability, safety factors, and technical requirements needed for the construction and operation of the centre.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry; Sovereign Segalang Sdn Bhd (SSSB); and Ukraine-based Yuzhnoye State Design Office (YSOD) during the Sabah Science Awards ceremony here on Friday.

The final location of the centre will be determined once all necessary data has been collected.

The entire cost will be fully borne by SSSB and YSOD, according to details provided to the media.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that if the space launch facility were to become a reality, it would be the 16th spot for such facilities in the world.

“This will place Malaysia as the ninth country in the world to have space launch facilities,” he said when witnessing the signing of the MOU.

“If it materialises, we can see the development of at least 300 to 500 downstream aerospace-related companies opening up to support the aerospace launching facility,” he added.

Hajiji said that it would also create about 90 high-income jobs as well as employment for some 5,000 people that would bring about economic benefits for the state.

Sabah is geographically strategic as an aerospace launch site as it is in the maximum straight linear velocity area, according to Hajiji. This would help to allow for cheaper launch costs as well allow a route directly into international space without having to enter Indonesian airspace.

He added that the aerospace initiative would also push Sabah’s efforts to create interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects among the state’s young people.

The go ahead for the project after the studies have been conducted would depend on final approval by the Federal and state Cabinets, said Hajiji.