On Monday, 2nd February, Singapore announced plans to establish its National Space Agency, NSAS. The decision marks a move to strengthen the country’s space technology capabilities. The agency is set to begin operations on 1st April 2026, just two months from now, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said.
Positioning Singapore in the Expanding Space Economy
The new agency will play a central role in helping Singapore tap into the fast-growing global space economy, which is projected to reach US$1.8 trillion by 2035. According to MTI, NSAS will coordinate national efforts to capture value across the expanding space sector.
‘Space technologies and capabilities are critical to Singapore’s open and highly connected economy, underpinning essential functions such as digital connectivity, navigation, maritime monitoring and climate resilience. Singapore’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, micro-electronics, precision engineering and artificial intelligence position us well to capture new opportunities in the space technology sector,’ the Ministry stated.
NSAS to Expand R&D, Industry Growth, and Regulation
Building on this foundation, NSAS will take over and expand the current responsibilities of the Office of Space Technology & Industry, Singapore (OSTIn). In doing so, it aims to strengthen the national research and development ecosystem, support the growth of the space industry, and deepen international partnerships. At the same time, the agency will take on new roles, including developing and operating Singapore’s national space capabilities and putting in place innovation- and business-friendly laws and regulations, while ensuring space safety and sustainability.
The move comes as Singapore’s space sector continues to grow. MTI noted that the country is now home to around 70 space companies, employing approximately 2,000 professionals across the value chain, from designing and manufacturing space components to providing satellite-based services.
Strengthening International Space Partnerships
Singapore has also been expanding its international footprint in space.
‘We have also established partnerships with international space agencies, including the European Space Agency, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the UAE Space Agency, and the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency of Thailand,’ the Ministry added.
Published by Space Enthusiast
An amateur rocket enthusiast with a keen interest in all space-related activity. Looking forward to the day when the UK starts launching rockets into space and I’m able to watch launches (from a safe distance of course).