“We plan to create partnerships with local companies who are collaborating with international partners already capable of developing such a project.

“We also seek collaborations with state governments that could host the launch site to possibly finance the project or handle operational matters,” he told FMT.

Azlikamil said efforts to realise the facility could begin by 2026/2027 if the project’s feasibility study reveals satisfactory results.

He said this in conjunction with the launch of World Space Week: Malaysian Chapter, which runs from Oct 4 to 10, celebrating various events revolving around the theme of space entrepreneurship.

Among them are the 8th International Conference of Space Science and Communication, and the Sub-Committee on Space Technology and Applications Expert Exchange Seminar.

“We aim to share how Malaysia would take the lead in implementing policies related to this new sector, and explore collaborations to ensure this industry’s contribution to the country’s economy,” said Azlikamil.

Recently, BN Reddy, India’s high commissioner to Malaysia, said space represented an exciting new area of potential collaboration between the two countries.

“India’s proven expertise in the field, including in remote sensing, small satellite missions and geospatial applications, has benefitted more than 20 Malaysian space experts over the years,” he was quoted by Bernama as saying in an article titled “Paving the Pathways for an Asian Century – India’s Chandrayaan-3 Success”.

In May, the Malaysian Space Industry Corporation (Masic) was launched with goals as set out in the Malaysia Space Exploration Action Plan 2030 and the Space Industry Strategic Plan.

“Masic’s vision is to establish a dynamic space industry ecosystem that promotes Malaysian space capabilities, while also attracting investment, talent and partnerships from around the world,” said its pro tem president, Kamarul Redzuan.