On 11 July, AAIS members and the Singapore Space Community had the unique opportunity to visit the Satellite Research Centre (SaRC) at NTU, an institution often referred to as the birthplace of Singapore’s satellite programme.
Hosted by Professor Lim Wee Seng, Executive Director of SaRC, the session provided a rich and engaging overview of Singapore’s satellite journey, spanning from the development of the country’s first payload in 1999 to the successful launch of XSAT in 2011, Singapore’s first fully designed and built satellite. Professor Lim shared a compelling narrative of satellite industry development in Singapore, interwoven with insightful commentary and entertaining anecdotes that brought decades of know-how, research and innovation to life.
Participants, many from the aerospace and aviation sectors, gained a strong understanding of how space projects are conceptualised, engineered, and operated, along with valuable perspectives on the business of space. The session in SaRC’s Mission Control Room opened up conversations around the growing commercial potential of the space sector, including opportunities for collaboration, supply chain involvement, and downstream applications.
Next, was a visit to the Cleanroom viewing gallery, where participants observed satellite integration areas and real hardware. This prompted thoughtful questions and comparisons with traditional aerospace processes.
All in all, the informative learning journey offered plenty of food for thought on how the aerospace community could participate in and support Singapore’s expanding space ecosystem, whether through technology, manufacturing and supply chain partnerships, or adjacent services.
AAIS extends its sincere thanks to Professor Lim and the team at SaRC for their hospitality and generous sharing. We look forward to continue connecting members with Singapore’s vibrant and evolving space and satellite ecosystem.
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