Singapore is set to launch its first national space agency in April 2026, marking a major step in the city-state’s ambitions to capture opportunities in the fast-growing space sector across Southeast Asia. The National Space Agency of Singapore (NSAS) aims to provide “decisive leadership” in research, industry growth, global partnerships, and national capability in space, while ensuring safety and sustainability in outer space activities.
The announcement was made by Tan See Leng, Singapore’s Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, who highlighted that NSAS will capitalize on “new possibilities posed by democratized access to outer space.” The agency will be headed by Ngiam Le Na, a veteran public servant with prior experience as deputy CEO of the Defence Science and Technology Agency and at DSO National Laboratories, Singapore’s defense R&D organization.
NSAS will focus on five strategic areas:
- Research and Development: Driving scientific innovation in space technologies.
- Industry Growth: Supporting Singapore’s expanding domestic space sector.
- Global Partnerships: Collaborating with international space agencies and companies.
- National Capability: Strengthening Singapore’s expertise and infrastructure in space.
- Legislation and Safety: Developing frameworks to ensure sustainable and secure space operations.
Singapore is already home to around 70 space companies employing roughly 2,000 professionals. The government has also secured partnerships with global agencies, including the European Space Agency, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre, and the UAE Space Agency. These collaborations aim to position Singapore as a hub for aerospace innovation, satellite technology, and geospatial applications in the Asia-Pacific region.
The initiative coincides with forecasts from the World Economic Forum, which predicts the global space economy will exceed $1.8 trillion by 2035, up from $613 billion in 2024. Tan See Leng emphasized that Singapore’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, micro-electronics, precision engineering, and artificial intelligence create a solid foundation for capturing opportunities in the sector.
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The announcement was made during Singapore’s inaugural Space Summit, held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center. The summit featured global aerospace leaders including Airbus and Leonardo, alongside regional startups such as India’s Pixxel, Japan’s Synspective, and South Korea’s Pedigree Aerospace. Over 330 organizations participated, making it a platform for networking, collaboration, and investment in the space industry.
Industry executives attending the summit expressed optimism about Singapore’s strategic role. Massimo Claudio Comparini, managing director of Leonardo’s Space Division, noted, “Singapore is a very important R&D hub, and Asia is a growing region where space infrastructure, connectivity, and geospatial technology are increasingly critical.”
Leck Chet Lam, organizer of the Space Summit, added, “We hope that companies can use the Space Summit as a platform to springboard into opportunities in the Asia-Pacific and globally.” The summit has already been renewed for a second edition, signaling strong interest and momentum in the region’s emerging space ecosystem.
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With NSAS, Singapore aims not only to strengthen its domestic capabilities but also to play a leadership role in the broader Southeast Asian and global space economy, bridging innovation, industry, and governance in the rapidly evolving sector.
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