Singapore, a Sustained Ambition Towards a Commercial Space Sector

Abstract

Singapore is distinguishable from its ASEAN neighbours in several ways, including through its role in the global economy and its approach to space development. As a global financial hub, the small island state’s level of socio-economic development is among the world’s highest. Singapore’s economic growth can be attributed to its export-driven free market system. Accordingly, it is perhaps no surprise that the country’s space actors have focused on the commercialisation of space applications. While Singapore does not have a central space agency nor a national space law, the emergence of space businesses in the country has been considerable, incentivised by the government and supported by a relatively mature domestic space ecosystem comprising university-led R&D and multiple levels of international partnerships. Consequently, the number and complexity of indigenous satellites and related services have notably increased, especially in the last decade. In parallel, the country has positioned itself as an international hub to facilitate new partnerships in space, by playing a leading role in regional space institutions and conferences. Looking to the future, Singapore has pledged to grow the domestic space sector further by emphasising local skills development.