Asia-Pacific

Malaysia to lead in satellites launch, operation

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-12-21 20:01
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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is made the pioneer in launching and operating satellites in the Near Equatorial Orbit (NEqO) after the success of RazakSAT, a Malaysian satellite used for research and development.

Malaysian Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Minister Maximus Ongkili made the remarks after hosting a lunch for the RazakSAT task force members on Monday.

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The success of the RazakSAT made South Africa, Algeria, Nigeria and Brazil voice their intentions of launching a satellite in the NEqO with the same purposes, Ongkili said.

The minister also said that given Malaysia's experiences in launching and operating satellites in the NEqO, the interested countries suggested that Malaysia should lead the cooperation.

RazakSAT was launched on July 14, 2009, from Omelek Island in the Kwajalein Atoll with the intention of carrying out research and development for MOSTI and several agencies in the country.

Its mission plan is carried out by engineers from Astronautic Technology (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., a wholly-owned company of Malaysian Finance Ministry Incorporated that reports to MOSTI.
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