Dr Tan See Leng: Singapore to launch national space agency in April to boost space technology sector

 Singapore will establish a national space agency in April 2026, Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science and Technology Tan See Leng announced on 2 February at the inaugural Space Summit.

The National Space Agency of Singapore (NSAS) aims to provide leadership for the country to capitalise on opportunities in the expanding global space economy and the democratisation of access to outer space, said Dr Tan.

“For Singapore, our journey in space technology dates back over 50 years,” said Dr Tan, who also serves as manpower minister.

Unlocking space technology for national and regional needs

The NSAS will enable Singapore to harness the full potential of space technology for national and regional requirements while ensuring the safety of its assets in an increasingly congested space environment.

Currently, the government co-owns three Earth observation satellites with ST Engineering.

The new agency will oversee a multi-agency operations centre to support satellite tasking and deliver bespoke geospatial analytics.

Dr Tan highlighted applications in port operations, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and food security.

Singapore also plans to expand its satellite constellation for national use and across the Equatorial Belt, leveraging its geographic advantage.

Ensuring safety and sustainability in space

In response to growing congestion in space, NSAS will progressively build space situational awareness capabilities to protect Singapore’s space assets.

The agency will develop legislation and regulation for the sector, emphasising innovation and business growth while maintaining high standards for safety and sustainability.

Initial guidelines for Singapore-related space activities were introduced in 2024, covering satellite registration and compliance with space safety and sustainability practices.

Building on existing space capabilities

NSAS will expand the work of the Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIn), which has been developing Singapore’s space technology sector since 2013 under the Economic Development Board.

Emerging focus areas include climate and sustainability technologies, such as satellite remote sensing for carbon monitoring, debris remediation, and space situational awareness.

Microgravity research will support advances in human health sciences.

The government has allocated over S$200 million (US$157 million) since 2022 for space research and development through the Space Technology Development Programme, supporting institutes and companies in testing and developing technologies.

Fostering talent and regional growth

Dr Tan emphasised Singapore’s aim to retain space technology companies domestically while helping them capture regional opportunities.

He highlighted Singapore’s position as a trusted, connected hub with strong finance and logistics sectors, ideal for regional space services.

Talent development remains a priority, with plans to grow local expertise and provide access to high-quality jobs.

NSAS will also strengthen international collaborations, connecting Singapore’s space ecosystem with global partners.

International partnerships and strategic positioning

Singapore has developed strong research capabilities and a robust ecosystem of local and multinational enterprises.

Its international partnerships include collaborations with the European Space Agency and India’s IN-SPACe.

Dr Tan described space technologies as “the backbone of our interconnected world,” noting that satellites for communications, navigation, and Earth observation transform connectivity and service delivery while addressing global challenges like climate change.

Citing market projections, he said the global space economy reached US$630 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to US$1.8 trillion by 2035.

Ngiam Le Na, currently deputy CEO at DSO National Laboratories, Singapore’s defence R&D organisation, will serve as NSAS chief executive.

“Singapore’s space ambitions reflect more than a technological aspiration – we want to translate innovation into real solutions that strengthen our economy, improve lives, and address global challenges with precision and foresight,” Dr Tan said.