Singapore launches National Space Agency to join $2.43t space market

Agency to leverage manufacturing and AI for space growth.

Singapore has established the National Space Agency of Singapore (NSAS) beginning 1 April 2026, supported by the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

The agency will lead the city-state’s efforts to tap into the global space market—projected to reach $2.43t (US$1.8t) by 2035—and will absorb and expand the existing functions of the Office of Space Technology & Industry, the MTI said in a press release.

Its mandate includes strengthening the local research and development ecosystem, developing the domestic space industry, and advancing international partnerships with other space agencies.

NSAS is tasked with identifying and developing space programmes to meet national needs, as well as developing and enforcing a national space legislation.

It is also expected leverage Singapore’s existing strengths in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and microelectronics to attract global space firms.

Apart from developing the local space sector, NSAS is also tasked with space situational awareness to protect assets in an increasingly congested orbital environment, whilst deepening collaboration with emerging space nations across the Equatorial Belt and within ASEAN.

Singapore’s space sector currently comprises around 70 companies and 2,000 professionals, supported by $210m in funding from the Space Technology Development Programme since 2022.

Ngiam Le Na is NSAS' first chief exec
Ngiam Le Na has been appointed chief executive (designate) of NSAS with effect from 2 February and will formally assume the role on 1 April.

She has 25 years of public service experience and previously served as deputy chief executive at DSO National Laboratories and the Defence Science and Technology Agency.

She has overseen the development of Earth observation satellites and digital solutions for national security and disaster relief, the MTI said.

(US$1 = SG$1.27)