KUCHING: Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg today confirmed that an area in Lundu-Sematan, Kuching Division, has been earmarked as a satellite launch site for Malaysia.
He said the site, approved at the recent National Physical Planning Council meeting, is near the equator.
An equatorial launch site is ideal for a number of reasons. A spacecraft can reach geosynchronous orbit around the earth faster, and without having to perform a complex adjustment burn in the geostationary transfer orbit, to a geosynchronous orbit. This simplifies mission planning and provides for huge savings in propellant costs.
"We will work together with the Malaysian Space Agency to develop the area as a launch site," Abang Johari told reporters after officiating the "Love Roadshow", organised by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development here today.
He said the state government must prepare a comprehensive manpower development plan, as aerospace is a growing industry, with a huge spinoff potential.
"You have satellites or other spacecraft for different applications. From here, you can develop other technologies, like semiconductors and avionics," he said.
Other applications include weather, telecommunications, and remote sensing.
He said the state government has appointed I-CATS University College and Swinburne University of Technology, Kuching campus, to conduct a Bachelor's Degree programme in Aerospace Engineering.
"We must make preparations from now to train our students in this new industry," the premier said.
He said the state government regards satellite technology as a crucial area because it helps in data capture.
"The government, through the state Land and Survey Department, is working with Universiti Teknologi Johor to capture the state's geological data.
This is critical in identifying potential natural resources.
"This is important for the future of our economic development," he said.