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Business Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
TransportBT: Singapore's surprising and thriving space industry
In the latest episode of TransportBT by The Business Times, host Derryn Wong dives deep into Singapore's space industry with Jonathan Hung, executive director, Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn). The conversation delivers great insight into the current state and future potential of Singapore's space sector. Singapore's long history in space Contrary to popular belief, Singapore's involvement in space activities dates back several decades. Providing Wong with a quick history lesson, Hung points out that Singapore's first satellite ground station was established in Sentosa in 1971, and our first satellite was launched in 1998. Today OSTIn plays a pivotal role as Singapore's lead front for space activities. Hung explains that the office, having grown and evolved into its current form, is now divided into three main pillars - technology, industry, and international relations. OSTIn oversees satellite missions and supports a vibrant ecosystem of over 70 companies - fostering global partnerships. Key technologies and innovations Singapore excels in satellite subsystems, with significant investments in electronic stacks, hardware, and software. The country's strength in miniaturisation has enabled the development of smaller, more efficient satellites, crucial in the era of space democratisation spearheaded by entities like SpaceX. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Wong and Hung then turn their conversation to how space technologies directly benefit other industries in Singapore. For example, satellite communications which enhance maritime and aviation efficiencies - critical for Singapore's status as a global hub. Singapore's future in space exploration While Singapore may not have its own launch site due to land constraints, Hung does muse on the potential for the country to participate actively in space exploration missions. He believes that collaborations with other nations and companies will be key, particularly in areas like in-space robotics and advanced satellite communications. However for now, it is more earth based endeavours with the Earth Observation Initiative (EOI) which aims to tackle sustainability and humanitarian challenges through remote sensing satellite technology. This initiative underscores Singapore's commitment to using space technology for the greater good. Listen now to the conversation between Derryn Wong and Jonathan Hung which provides a comprehensive overview of Singapore's current achievements and future aspirations in the space sector. TransportBT is a podcast of BT Correspondents. Look out for the next episode featuring senior correspondent Leslie Yee on property matters. And if you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to reach out to us at btpodcasts@ --- Written and hosted by: Derryn Wong (derrynwong@ With Jonathan Hung, executive director, Office for Space Technology & Industry Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Derryn Wong, Emily Liu & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Correspondents: Channel: Amazon: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube Music: Website: Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party's products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks: BT Podcasts: BT Market Focus: BT Branded Podcasts: BT Lens On:
Broadcast Pro
01-04-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
SES and SpeQtral to advance global Quantum-Secure communications
An interoperable Optical Ground Station will provide a long-distance Quantum Key Distribution link between Asia and Europe to scale next-generation cybersecurity and services. SES and SpeQtral have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop an interoperable Optical Ground Station (OGS) to establish long-distance satellite-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) between Asia and Europe. Under the agreement, the development of an interoperable OGS will enable SES and SpeQtral to connect both companies current and future QKD satellite missions, resulting in easier access to, and diversity in the supply of long-distance QKD to end users in Asia, Europe and other future compatible ground stations worldwide. The integration of this proposed OGS with Singapores fibre-QKD network will help future customers integrate their networks with satellite QKD networks and demonstrate a practical pathway towards enabling global QKD connectivity once the QKD satellites are operational. SES and SpeQtral collaboration will reduce costs associated with quantum communication infrastructure, bridge a critical gap in the QKD service availability and lower barriers for global deployment and adoption. The first such OGS is anticipated to be built in Singapore which already hosts a vibrant seedbed of quantum-safe activities including the National Quantum Safe Network Plus (NQSN+) initiative driven by Singapores Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). Fibre-based QKD networks that are being deployed in major cities around the world will require a satellite-based QKD solution to form an interconnected global QKD network. QKD satellites operate in Sun-Synchronous Orbits approximately 500 km away from the Earths surface, enabling global interconnectivity and laying the foundation for highly secure communications in the age of quantum computing. SES, in collaboration with a consortium of European partners, is leading the development of the EAGLE-1 project to enable early access to long-distance QKD for ultra-secure data transmissions. The project, which includes both satellite and ground infrastructure, is co-funded by ESA national contributions and the European Commission, reinforcing Europe's commitment to advancing quantum-secure communications. SpeQtral is working on two QKD satellites, SpeQtre and SpeQtral-1, which are supported by the Office for Space Technology & Industry, Singapore (OSTIn). SpeQtre, a joint Singapore-UK mission set for launch later this year, will host SpeQtrals space-qualified quantum-optics system which enables the establishment of quantum-secure encryption keys. OSTIns strong support for technological development in advanced space-based capabilities has played an important role in enabling local startups like SpeQtral, foster impactful international partnerships with the potential to shape the global quantum-security industry. The MoU agreement was signed by the CEOs of both companies in Betzdorf, Luxembourg, during the State visit of Singapores President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES, said: 'Satellite-enabled Quantum Key Distribution is a fundamental technology for next-generation cyber security, allowing long-distance transmission of encryption keys. At SES we are delighted to bring our innovative expertise in developing secure, interoperable networked solutions, joining efforts with like-minded ecosystem partner SpeQtral in implementing the next milestone of our quantum-secure vision. The agreement allows SES to expand into non-EU markets and serve commercial customers, including facilitating secure exchanges between entities based across different geographies.' Chune Yang Lum, CEO of SpeQtral, added: 'Our partnership with SES represents a significant step towards realising commercially viable space-based QKD. It is important that we build on each others expertise, to unlock synergies in this initial phase of enabling the interconnection of localised fibre-based quantum networks. By developing a shared OGS infrastructure, we are reducing costs and strengthening the foundation for a truly global quantum-secure network.' Jonathan Hung, Executive Director at OSTIn, stated: 'The collaboration between SpeQtral and SES marks a significant milestone in Singapore's quantum technology landscape that will strengthen secure global communications for the future. The partnership leverages SpeQtrals strengths as one of the first quantum key distribution (QKD) companies, together with SESs satellite QKD expertise and position of a global content and connectivity solutions provider – to make quantum communications more accessible worldwide and allow seamless services for end-users in Asia and Europe. We welcome more partnerships with companies to strengthen Singapores position at the forefront of quantum communications innovation and commercialisation.'
