GEORGE TOWN, November 14 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and SpaceIn Sdn Bhd have achieved a historic milestone with the successful launch of Malaysia’s first picosatellite, SpaceANT-D, via SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. The launch took place on November 12, 2023, at 2:47 AM local time from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. SpaceANT-D, measuring 5x5x5 cm and weighing less than 250g, is set to demonstrate its mission of storing and forwarding data for Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
The collaboration between USM, SpaceIn, and the Malaysian Amateur Radio Transmitters’ Society (MARTS) marks a significant step toward Malaysia’s Space Exploration 2030 initiative. The picosatellite will receive ground sensor data and transmit it back to the ground station, facilitating easy data retrieval by users through cloud technology. This achievement reflects the commitment of USM and SpaceIn to nurturing local talent, fostering innovation, and advancing Malaysia’s space industry. Dr. Norilmi Amilia Ismail, CEO of SpaceIn, expressed her excitement about the event, emphasizing SpaceIn’s ambition to lead space exploration activities in Malaysia and provide cost-effective solutions for industrial and life challenges.
SpaceIn, a spin-off company of USM, is a recipient of the SUPERB accelerator program by TERAJU and has utilized the grant to develop SpaceANT-D. The company also received funding from CRADLE to establish a satellite data center at Universiti Sains Malaysia. The successful launch paves the way for future advancements in satellite technology and reinforces Malaysia’s position in the global space community.
