UZMA SAT-1 Launch Highlights Success Of National Space Policy 2030 – MOSTI

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- The success of Uzma Bhd, a local private company, in launching its first remote sensing satellite, UZMA SAT-1, early this morning is a testament to the achievements of the National Space Policy 2030 (DAN2030), according to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI).

MOSTI said the satellite launch reflects the government’s commitment, through the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), to supporting the development of the national space sector.

“The success of UZMA SAT-1 is a manifestation of the implementation of the Malaysia Space Exploration Action Plan 2030 (MSE2030), which drives local industry participation in the space sector,” it said in a statement. 

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According to MOSTI, UZMA SAT-1, a high-resolution satellite, is expected to enhance earth surface monitoring, particularly in areas such as security, national defence and food security management.

"The use of existing national infrastructure through strategic collaboration in the satellite's operation is expected to further optimise the management of related images of Malaysia and expand their applications," it added.

MOSTI also expressed hope that the satellite launch would serve as a catalyst for local industry players to strengthen their potential, capabilities and expertise in space technology, exploring new opportunities to position Malaysia as a creator of space technology.

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“With the policies, action plans and legal frameworks for space activities already established by the government, the successful launch of UZMA SAT-1 should act as a driving force for the development of a more advanced national space ecosystem for the benefit of the people and the progress of the country,” the ministry said. 

UZMA SAT-1 was launched at 3.09 am Malaysian time from the Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, the United States, aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.

The satellite, now in low earth orbit at an altitude of approximately 500 kilometres, is capable of producing high-resolution images with a spatial resolution of 50 to 70 centimetres, able to detect small objects such as vehicles with clarity. 

It is equipped with high-tech cameras featuring multi-spectral band sensors, including RGB (red, green, blue) and near-infrared sensors, providing detailed data for a wide range of applications.

-- BERNAMA