MEASAT has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Shanghai Spacesail Technologies (SPACESAIL) to advance Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services. The partnership aims to facilitate collaboration that includes using the latter’s LEO broadband services and Thousand Sails megaconstellation as well as emerging technologies such as Direct-to-Device communications, satellite-based Internet of Things capabilities, and Earth Observation services.
The partnership aims to operate in Malaysia and other markets in Asia where MEASAT is present, along with a joint rain fade study on Q/V-band high frequency transmission. MEASAT COO Yau Chryong Lim mentioned that the capabilities of the Thousand Sails megaconstellation will be integrated with MEASAT’s fleet of Geostationary Orbit satellites (GSO).
“In regions where MEASAT operates, satellites have immense potential in further bridging the digital divide and overcoming geographical challenges,” said Lim. SPACESAIL president Dr Jason Zheng added that he looks forward to achieving technological progress by tapping on MEASAT’s local expertise while strengthening bilateral ties.
For some background, SPACESAIL’s Thousand Sails megaconstellation, also known as Qianfan, began in 2023 as China’s answer to SpaceX’s Starlink programme. It has already launched 72 satellites to date, with an end-goal of over 15,000 satellites in the future.
(Source: MEASAR Press Release)
