MTI bares ‘three-pronged strategy’ for space sector

This includes a $150m investment in its space technology development programme.

Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong bared his office’s “three-pronged strategy” to spur further growth in Singapore’s local space sector.

In his speech at the 14th Global Space and Technology Convention, Gan said the ministry, through its Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIn) and with the help of the National Research Foundation will invest in research and development on Singapore’s space capabilities.

In particular, MTI will invest $150m in its flagship Space Technology Development Programme (STDP) which seeks to “develop space capabilities to support national priority domains, such as aviation, maritime and sustainability; and in emerging and potentially disruptive technologies.”

In 2021, OSTIn launched an open grant call on two topics: disruptive technologies for small satellites and satellite data exploitation and Artificial Intelligence (AI). In the second half of this year, there another open grant call will, this time on areas, such as in-space manufacturing and on-orbit servicing and assembly.

Gan said the MTI will also “work closely with Singapore companies to build deep technical capabilities, support the translation of research and technologies into commercially viable solutions, and nurture internationally competitive companies.”

Amongst efforts done by OSTin in this aspect include the signing of a  Statement of Strategic Intent with Amazon Web Services to accelerate space innovation in Singapore; and supporting the launch of SpeQtral’s satellite to demonstrate its Quantum Key Distribution solution.

Lastly, Gan said MTI is continuously “forging partnerships with other space-faring nations, and building a talent pipeline for the space sector.”

Recently, OSTIn collaborated with European Space Agency on initiatives relating to “space technologies, applications and downstream services in telecommunications and related fields.”

The office has also organised a variety of STEM outreach programmes like “Spacelab” where students spent several months designing microgravity experiments over the past year.

“We are also constantly looking for like-minded partners internationally, so we can learn from each other and grow together,” Gan said.