Beyond rockets: MYSA wants Malaysians to see how space tech shapes daily life

Putting space technology into perspective: Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) leader Datuk Azlikamil Napiah emphasizes that it is vital for Malaysians to understand that space technology extends far beyond the realms of rockets, satellites, and astronauts. It is now an integral aspect of daily life, touching upon various sectors including communication, navigation, and resource management.

According to Datuk Azlikamil, making space technology accessible and comprehensible to all segments of society is a key aspiration. He noted that space technology is already incorporated into everyday systems like telephone communication networks, television broadcasts, and navigation applications such as Waze, as well as delivery services.

Its use extends to agriculture, fisheries, public health, disaster management, environmental monitoring, natural resource management, and food security. This is achieved through advanced systems such as satellite data, which can be employed for monitoring padi cultivation, assessing soil fertility, predicting harvest yields, and locating groundwater sources.

Moreover, remote sensing technology aids in tracking floods, illegal waste disposal, deforestation, and areas prone to dengue outbreaks. Despite the widespread use of space technology, Datuk Azlikamil highlights that public awareness of its benefits remains crucial for fostering the development of more effective and solution-oriented systems that cater to societal needs.

He asserts that as awareness of space technology's advantages grows, the demand for new applications will increase, subsequently driving innovation, expertise, industry growth, and the advancement of the local space ecosystem. The space technology sector encompasses diverse disciplines like engineering, data analysis, space law, software development, component manufacturing, robotics, and automation, alongside Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

By enhancing public awareness of space technology, Malaysia aims to cultivate skilled talents, generate local innovations, and ensure that the benefits of this technology are accessible to all, ultimately improving people's well-being and streamlining daily life management.