During his opening speech at Singapore’s inaugural Space Summit held in February this year, Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, Tan See Leng, announced that Singapore would establish its own space agency, to be called the National Space Agency of Singapore (NSAS).
The NSAS will be formally established on 1 April 2026 and will be run by Ngiam Le Na who is the current deputy CEO at Singapore’s defence Research & Development (R&D) organisation, DSO National Laboratories.
Singapore has been working with space technology for over 50 years with their first communications satellite being launched in 1998 and more than 30 satellites being launched over the past two decades.
“Today, Singapore is a growing space ecosystem with 70 space companies and 2,000 professionals working in the sector, engaging in a wide range of activities from designing and manufacturing space components to providing satellite-based services,” Minister Tan said.
“The NSAS will build world-class space R&D capabilities, develop a thriving space industry and advance international partnerships. We will further invest strategically in emerging areas, including private and sustainability technologies, particularly satellite remote sensing or carbon monitoring.”
Minister Tan noted that Singapore's space ambitions are more than just technological aspiration as the NSAS will help progress innovation into real solutions to strengthen their economy, improve lives, and address global challenges with precision and foresight.
“As we move into space, the final frontier, may we live long and prosper together,” he said.