KUCHING: Sarawak aims to launch its own nanosatellite by 2030 to collect data related to the state’s resources, thereby strengthening research capabilities and data-driven economic development.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said mastery of satellite technology would enable Sarawak to collect data in a more systematic manner for research and utilisation in state planning.

He said the initiative is currently being developed through collaboration between the Sarawak Space Agency and i-CATS University, including the establishment of two laboratories to conduct research related to the technology.

“Our target is 2030, when we want to launch our nanosatellite. It is small, but the important components are the chip, chip processing, and it will operate in our orbit.

“Another important component is the camera, followed by communication between the Earth and the satellite because it will be in low Earth orbit, not too high, only within low space orbit.

“So it will revolve and collect data, and we can store that data. We will then study what we can do with the data, including our resources,” he said.

He said this when met by reporters after officiating the AI For Makers: Borneo Makers Festival 2026 programme at TEGAS Digital Village here on Sunday.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari further explained that the nanosatellite would collect data from low Earth orbit for storage and analysis, including information related to Sarawak’s resources.

He said the ability to collect its own data is important in enabling Sarawak to have greater control over information related to the state, while reducing reliance on external parties.

“Therefore, we have resources that can drive our economy forward because today’s economy is entirely based on data,” he said. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photos: Hazrin Sunaini
Translator: Uilson Ng