The Singaporean government recently outlined plans to set up a national space agency on the 1st of April 2026. They intend to use this agency to lead national ambitions and push its credentials across the wider global market.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry explained the National Space Agency of Singapore (NSAS) would spearhead efforts around the global space economy, which it stated is projected to reach a value of $1.8 trillion by 2035.
It explained the NSAS would build upon current functions in the country to strengthen its R&D ecosystem, develop the space industry and advance international partnerships. Its work will include taking on new functions to develop national space capabilities, and devising legislation and regulations which are pro-innovation and pro-business “while achieving space safety and sustainability”.
The ministry noted the country is home to about 70 space companies, employing 2,000 professionals across the value chain from designing and manufacturing space components to providing satellite-based services.
It emphasised space technologies are critical to Singapore’s open and highly connected economy, underpinning digital connectivity, navigation, maritime monitoring and climate resilience.
The NSAS will also be tasked with expanding the nation’s existing constellation of three Earth-observation satellites. The government has set a $165 million budget for space projects since 2022.
Ngiam Le Na was appointed CEO designate of the NSAS, having held several senior positions in public service including chief executive of the country’s Defence Science and Technology Agency.
Source: Mobile World Live
Image Credit: Stock Image
