‘We are there in space tech terms’

ekslusif program angkasawan negara

‘We are there in space tech terms’

WITH three satellites in orbit and the launch of the first Malaysian into space next month, the country is clearly moving forward in space technology.

Malaysians have space and satellite technology company Astronautic Technology Sdn Bhd (ATSB) to thank for its space endeavours.


Although ATSB has been involved in various projects before, chief executive officer Datuk Dr Ahmad Sabirin Arshad says Angkasawan or the National Space Programme is the company’s most important so far in terms of national interest and significance.

“It’s a project the company is extremely proud to be involved in because this is a truly historic moment for the country,”he says.

“With Angkasawan, Malaysians can truly say they are moving into the future.”

Ahmad Sabirin, who set up ATSB in 1997, says Malaysia has progressed by leaps and bounds in space technology.

“We may have only enjoyed 50 years of independence but Malaysia is already the leading country in Asean for capacity-building for space technology.

“So far, 20 nations have sent their astronauts into space. Soon, we’ll joining their ranks.”

ATSB is the pioneer and leader in the small satellite business in the country.

From a company with fewer than 10 employees at its inception, it now employs 100.

“ATSB was established to push Malaysia forward into the area of space satellite technology.

“Our focus is research and development in the design and development of space-qualified systems and our staff realises it is imperative to continue building on our experience,” says Ahmad Sabirin.

He attributes the company’s appointment as logistics provider for Angkasawan to its track record.

One of its current projects is the Tsunami Early Warning System.

AT S B also operates the country’s first micro-satellite, TiungSAT-1.

Another satellite, which ATSB developed, is RazakSAT, will be launched soon.

“The RazakSAT project is the biggest for us in dollar terms but Angkawasan is a true milestone.”

Angkasawan, a programme to send the first Malaysian into space, is an offset agreement between Malaysia and Russia.

Malaysia is purchasing Russianproduced Sukhoi-30MKM fighter jets and in return, the Russian government is bearing the cost of training and sending a Malaysian to the International Space Station(ISS).

The launch, scheduled for Oct 10, will take place from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The two final candidates undergoing training are Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 35, who has been chosen to be part of the first crew and Captain Dr Faiz Khaleed, 27, who is in the second team.

Ahmad Sabirin, who holds a postdoctorate degree in aerospace engineering, says the company’s experience with TiungSAT-1 is particularly valuable.

“We collaborated with the Russians on TiungSAT-1 so we could deal with any issues that cropped up.”

As space technology is a global business, ATSB is also looking at other
markets, including Asean and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference
member countries.

Ahmad Sabirin says as Malaysia builds up its expertise, it will be able to offer satellite services to other countries.