Development of Space Industry Given Potential Economic and Strategic Value to Singapore

124 Mr Raj Joshua Thomas asked the Minister for Trade and Industry what are the Government’s plans to develop the local space industry given its potential economic and strategic value to Singapore.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: Today, the space industry in Singapore employs more than 1,500 professionals, and there is potential for the sector to grow further. The space industry is a key enabler for global connectivity, aviation and shipping. Space research can also help us better understand climate changes and weather patterns. In Singapore, space is already integral to our daily lives. The apps that we depend on for ride-hailing or deliveries tap on location data derived from a network of Global Navigation Satellite Systems or GNSS. When you log on to check your WhatsApp messages or emails during a flight or on a cruise ship, you are also tapping on connectivity provided by communications satellites.

Given the vast potential for the future, we intend to develop our local space industry to capture opportunities using three strategies. First, we will support local space enterprises to innovate and scale up. Our national space office, the Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIn), has been working with our startups and SMEs to build deep technical capabilities, identify opportunities, and support their venture building and fund-raising efforts. For example, Zero Error Systems is a spin-off company from NTU which develops radiation-hardened electronics based on earlier research supported by OSTIn and they went on to raise US$1.85 million in a seed round last October. Our startups have also developed technologies that are valued by more established space players. For instance, AddValue Innovation’s Inter-satellite Data Relay System (IDRS), which enables operators to do real-time tasking of their satellites, is on San Francisco-based Capella Space’s satellites and will be on Boston-based Analytical Space, Inc’s Fast Pixel satellites.

We have also launched several R&D grant calls where space-based technologies can support our national priorities in aviation, maritime, climate and the environment, and resilience. For instance, OSTIn opened a grant call in June for R&D proposals for disruptive small satellite technologies to improve the performance of satellite buses and payloads, while reducing size and cost.

Second, we hope to inspire a future generation to fulfil their dreams in space. One such avenue is by preparing our students to take on job opportunities in this area through space-based Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs. Earlier this year, OSTIn and the Singapore Space and Technology Limited partnered the School of Science and Technology to conduct a workshop for Secondary school students on radio communication with satellites. This was a pilot for OSTIn’s “Space Explorers’ Network” outreach programme based on ground-up initiatives by teachers and students to explore topics of interest related to space.

Third, we will continue to contribute to an open and collaborative international system through bilateral partnerships and participation in forums such as the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). We are also looking beyond our borders to collaborate with other space-faring nations. For instance, Singapore recently joined the Space Climate Observatory as its 30th member. OSTIn has also signed a Letter of Intent with the UAE Space Agency to strengthen cooperation on topics such as space science and technology, and space policy and law.

The Government, the private sector, research institutions and IHLs will need to work together to better understand space, which will allow us to harness its vast potential for everyone’s collective benefit. Together, we can grow an innovative space ecosystem, build deep capabilities and forge strong partnerships, so that we can reach for the stars.