The Malaysian government had previously expressed its intention to launch its own remote sensing satellite. According to the latest sharing by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chang Lih Kang, Malaysia is expected to have its own remote sensing satellite by 2030.
This will facilitate the process of conducting various studies without having to rely on data provided through external satellites as is the case today.
Previously, it was said that a possible launch would be around 2024/2025, but it seems that there has been a slight delay.
With this satellite, it can obtain data related to the earth's surface, an object, region, or phenomenon. According to MOSTI, there are two types of remote sensing technology, namely:
Passive sensing uses a natural energy source, the sun. Satellite sensors detect and measure the reflection of sunlight or electromagnetic waves from a target object. Satellites with passive sensing systems can only observe the earth's surface information during the day.
Active sensing has its own energy source and the sensor will emit electromagnetic waves to the target object. The reflected wave after the interaction with the target object is then detected and measured by the sensor. Therefore, satellites with active sensing systems can observe the earth's surface information regardless of the time of day, night or season.
The minister himself shared that with remote sensing data, it can help in various things, including knowing the movement of the land, helping in a number of industries - including fishing, and so on.
With this new development, let's all look forward to MOSTI's further partnership regarding the launch of this remote sensing satellite.