$60m top-up to boost S'pore's space tech industry, research

Singapore will invest an extra $60 million to boost its space tech industry and research ecosystem, which has in the past contributed to the development of space-based robotic arms and precision agriculture technologies.

- Timothy Goh

The top-up will be invested over the next two years in the Space Technology Development Programme (STDP), launched in 2022 by the Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIn) and the National Research Foundation.

This expands the total amount of government funding in the programme to over $200 million, following an initial investment of $150 million three years ago.

The fresh funds are expected to accelerate innovation in satellite technology. They will also build capabilities in space tech among Singapore's higher education and research institutions and promote the commercialisation of research.

A total of 14 space-related technology patents have been filed to date by entities in Singapore with the support of the STDP, said Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong on Feb 26.

While there are no details about the patents, past supported projects include a space-based robotic manipulator led by the Singapore Institute of Technology and the National University of Singapore (NUS) as well as a precision agriculture initiative by ST Engineering Geo-Insights and NUS.

Noting Singapore's interest in the connectivity-related use cases of space tech, DPM Gan said that space-based communications can provide near real-time visibility of vessel movements.

"This will enable us to optimise our port operations for greater efficiency and enhance our sense-making and response in the event of an incident which may happen any time, anywhere," he said. "This will also help ships to better plan their navigational paths and therefore reduce carbon emission."