Malaysia to lead other nations after Razaksat's success

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is to be the leading pioneer in launching and operating satellites within the Near Equatorial Orbit (NEqO) among nations which have intentions of operating satellites there.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili told reporters here today that with the success of RazakSAT, South Africa, Algeria, Nigeria and Brazil had made clear their intentions of launching a satellite in the NEqO.

"Our success has made Malaysia the pioneer among nations such as South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria and Brazil, which stated their intention to launch satellites to the NEqO, at recent international discussions.

"Based on the experience in launching and operating satellites in the NeqO, it has been proposed that Malaysia be the leader in such cooperation. A meeting on the matter will be held next year," said Ongkili after hosting an appreciation lunch for the RazakSAT task force members.

RazakSAT, which was launched from Omelek Island in the Kwajalein Atoll in July, is intended for research and development purposes for the ministry and national agencies and for the use of international agencies on a case-by-case basis.

Ongkili also said that the government would develop RazakSAT 2 under the 10th Malaysia Plan.

"We will utilise the available experience to develop RazakSAT 2 from 2011.

In terms of cost, it will depend on the size although we don't think it will be that expensive as we have already developed the human capital and the experience from the development of RazakSAT 1," he said.