MALAYSIA has achieved a historic milestone in its space journey with the successful launch of its first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, TerraX-1 (AIRSAT-03), on 19 October.
According to a statement released by local aerospace firm TerraXpace Sdn Bhd, the launch took place at 11:33am Malaysian time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in China, using a Kinetica-1 rocket.
The company noted that the development of TerraX-1 represents a significant stride in enhancing Malaysia’s satellite technology and Earth observation capabilities.
“This launch is proof of Malaysia’s ability to advance further in the space sector and remote sensing technology,” the statement read.
Equipped with SAR technology, TerraX-1 can capture high-resolution imagery at any time, including during adverse weather conditions. This ensures both accuracy and consistency in Earth observation data.
“The imagery and data gathered will be used for disaster response, agricultural monitoring, environmental protection, coastal surveillance, and infrastructure planning,” the statement added.
The move is also seen as a catalyst in strengthening the nation’s data-driven decision-making capacity and accelerating national development.
The statement described the achievement as a proud moment for Malaysia and its homegrown company.
“TerraX-1 reflects our commitment to continuing innovation and establishing Malaysia as an emerging player in the space economy,” it said.
Looking ahead, TerraXpace plans to expand its satellite programme and develop an integrated data platform that will benefit both public and private sectors across the region. - October 21, 2025
