The National Remote Sensing Satellite Development Programme (PSPJN) is expected to begin operations in 2028, says science, technology and innovation minister Chang Lih Kang.
He said once the satellite begins operations, off-take payments will be made periodically, based on the amount of data received and certified by the government.
“This approach allows the government to ensure that payments are reasonable and commensurate with the value of the data obtained, while encouraging companies to maintain high quality standards in delivering satellite data.
“These requirements will be further refined with the bidding companies when finalising the concession agreement documents,” he said during Ministerial Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question by Young Syefura Othman (PH-Bentong) about the status of the PSPJN programme under the Malaysian Space Agency and when it will be ready for launch, following UzmaSat-1, a high-resolution satellite launched by the Uzma group this year.
PSPJN is a continuation of the government’s efforts to ensure that Malaysia’s capabilities and capacity in the field of space technology continue to be strengthened in line with the implementation of the National Space Policy 2030.
The purpose of implementing PSPJN, among others, is to strengthen the country’s ownership of strategic data through its own satellite operation, reduce dependence on external data sources and satellite technology, and ensure that Malaysia’s sovereignty and security are strengthened through the space technology sector.
Chang said the government is currently negotiating with selected bidding companies to ensure that each project requirement is met systematically and comprehensively.
He said the government, together with the bidding companies, would hold a value management laboratory from today until Friday, to ensure the effectiveness and success of the PSPJN programme.
“This laboratory will be a platform to discuss in depth aspects of project implementation, with an emphasis on cost and resource optimisation as well as the implementation of early mitigation measures to manage any risks that may arise,” he said.
Responding to a supplementary question from Young Syefura on the status of the country’s readiness in the context of participation or ratification of treaties under the United Nations Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Chang said a Malaysian Space Authority meeting had agreed for the country to ratify and join two space treaties.
The treaties are the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies 1967, and the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space 1975.