For Singapore’s space office, the sky is no limit to its global ambitions

As a small nation, Singapore wants to prove that size does not limit meaningful contributions to global space development.  

“Advances in data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), coupled with increasing satellite availability, are creating opportunities for governments and organisations to harness satellite data,” says the Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn)’s Executive Director, Jonathan Hung. 

OSTIn is Singapore's national space office that was set up in 2013. Its initial goal was to drive the development of small satellite capabilities. 

The office has since expanded its mandate in 2020 to develop the country’s space industry through innovations and international partnerships. 

Leveraging its deeptech advantages, Singapore has carved out a distinct role in the global space ecosystem, excelling in areas like research and development (R&D), shaping policy and industry growth, and creating a robust and predictable regulatory environment for space activities. 

“As a leading global hub for businesses and space-adjacent sectors such as aerospace, info-comms, microelectronics and precision engineering, Singapore is well-placed to capitalise on the global momentum in the space sector,” he explains.  

The last few years saw OSTIn establishing multiple partnerships with space agencies across ASEAN, Europe, the Middle East, as well as United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). 

The agreements with other international space agencies centre around developing advanced tech like real-time data and monitoring and quantum technology, involving private sector players like ST Engineering and SpeQtral. 

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Setting international norms 

Aside from developing local space-adjacent sectors, Hung says that the international partnerships serve other purposes for Singapore. 

One of these is participation in the development of international norms and a rule-based regulatory regime for space activities.  

For example, UNOOSA and OSTIn recently agreed to collaborate under the “Space Law for New Space Actors” project, where UNOOSA will support member states, including Singapore, to develop the latter’s national space legislation and policies in line with international space law. 

“Collaboration is crucial in ensuring the safe and sustainable use of space for all.

"We believe that space remains a global common that can be harnessed for the collective benefit of humankind,” he adds. 

Singapore participates in a mix of bilateral and multilateral platforms to engage in policy discussions and collaborations, including the ASEAN Sub-Committee on Space Technology and Applications (SCOSA) and the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF).  

Mainstreaming space tech

The other purpose is to mainstream space technology and data to solve real-world challenges, particularly through earth observation (EO) solutions. 

Earlier this year, the office launched an Earth Observation Initiative (EOI) to use EO tech to tackle pressing sustainability and humanitarian challenges across the Asia Pacific region.

The initiative brings together 15 partners, including UNOOSA and the Mekong River Commission Secretariat (MRC). 

The use cases would span from improving food security and water quality, helping in disaster relief, as well as forestry and land management.  

For example, satellite technology can be used for early detection systems to prevent the spread of peatland fires.  

Specific technologies like synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) can help enhance carbon credits reporting. 

“We also plan to use space technologies to strengthen our position as a global hub for aviation, maritime, connectivity, and sustainability,” Hung says. 

He adds that the platform brings together governments, private companies, academia and research institutions on a centralised platform, and will facilitate knowledge sharing around EO tech. 

How public agencies are using space tech

Hung shares that OSTIn also supports local public agencies in leveraging space technologies to tackle real-world challenges. 

These agencies include the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the National Environment Agency (NEA), where OSTIn leveraged on EO to strengthen urban planning, maritime operations and safety, and weather forecasting, respectively. 

“Our partnership with Infocommunications Media Development Authority (IMDA) focuses on next-generation connectivity solutions like 5G/6G and non-terrestrial networks (NTN),” he adds. 

Interestingly, the office is also collaborating with the Singapore Food Authority (SFA) on plant genetic engineering experiments in space to improve the desired traits of agricultural crops and strengthen the nation’s food security. 

“These collaborations showcase how space technologies can enhance communications and connectivity services, as well as drive innovation in the green and digital economy, strengthening Singapore’s business competitiveness,” he says.