Sarawak plans to use low-cost CubeSat satellites to monitor forests and water, aiming to create aerospace jobs and develop local space technology talent.
KUCHING: The Sarawak state government plans to use small-scale CubeSat satellites to support environmental monitoring and conservation.
Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the technology offers a far lower cost than traditional satellites.
He said scientists quote a traditional satellite cost between 100 million and 300 million euros.
“Scientists say a traditional satellite costs between 100 million and 300 million euros, while CubeSats are priced at under 500,000 euros,” he said at the Asia Pacific Aerospace Conference and Exhibition launch.
He added that CubeSats can be built and launched in under a year, unlike conventional satellites which take five to 15 years.
“Until now, only countries and major companies could develop satellites because of the high costs and decade-long timelines,” he noted.
Abang Johari said CubeSat technology is transforming the field by enabling nano-satellites to be built quickly and cheaply.
“CubeSat technology is transforming the field, enabling nano-satellites to be built in months and launched at a fraction of the cost, cutting financial risk,” he said.
He added the technology will monitor Sarawak’s environment, covering forests, land, mangroves, and water flow.
The state is currently studying the project’s costs and engineering requirements before full implementation.
Abang Johari said the initiative could create up to 30,000 aerospace jobs, particularly in satellite technology.
The government is focusing on developing local talent to support this new sector.
“The state government is focusing on developing local talent through i-CATS University College, establishing a Faculty of Space Technology to train Sarawak’s youth in aerospace,” he added.
He said the CubeSats launch will follow a phased approach, with workforce training as the first critical step.
Abang Johari stressed the initial phase is to ensure Sarawak’s workforce fully understands the latest space technology.
