Suggestions for a Roadmap towards Becoming a Launch Capable Nation

Abstract

Propulsion Technology Program under the National Space Agency (ANGKASA) was commenced in 2009 with an ambition to launch satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) using its own independent launch vehicle. Four members of the Space Application and Technology Development (SATD) with various backgrounds have been entrusted to draft roadmap for National Satellite Launcher and at the same time conducting Research and Development (R&D) related to rocketry. The first program was solid rocket development between ANGKASA and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) through budget allocated in Rancangan Malaysia ke-9 (RMK-9). The rockets developed in this project have been successfully launched at eastern coast of peninsula Malaysia in 2010. This achievement needs proper and effective continuation towards enabling Malaysia to be a launch capable nation. Therefore, this paper investigates rocket development programs and activities ran by various countries which could be adopted into national programs in order to spur participation in rocket science and space industries, hence materialise completion of Malaysian own launch vehicle in timely manner. Moreover, this paper will look over obstacles and potencies of rocket development with current Malaysian environment.