Written reply to PQ on update on mandate for National Space Agency of Singapore

Question:

Mr Low Wu Yang Andre: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry whether the mandate of the forthcoming National Space Agency of Singapore will include (i) developing or encouraging the development of a domestic capability to launch small payloads or microsatellites to orbit and (ii) the funding of research into emerging launch technologies to enable such a capability and for potential export.

Written Answer by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong

1.           The National Space Agency of Singapore does not intend to prioritise the development of launch capability from Singapore at this juncture. It is not practical nor cost-effective to develop such a capability given Singapore’s land constraints and congested air space, vis-à-vis leveraging commercial launch services which are readily available overseas. 

2.           Satellites from Singapore have been launched from reliable overseas spaceports, including those in French Guiana, India, Japan, and the United States. We will continue to pursue such partnerships and cooperation arrangements to maintain resilient and reliable access to launch services. 

3.           Nonetheless, we will continue to monitor emerging launch technologies, and remain open to supporting those that demonstrate commercial potential and strategic value for Singapore.