Singapore has formally established the National Space Office under the newly created Office for Space Technology & Industry ( OSTIn ), aiming to bolster the city-state’s presence in the global space economy, a sector which is projected to reach US$1.8 trillion by 2035.

Announced by the Ministry of Trade and Industry ( MTI ), the move institutionalises Singapore’s 10-year journey in building space capabilities and positions OSTIn as a central authority to drive public-private collaboration, policy coherence, and international partnerships.

The new structure consolidates oversight, streamlines regulation, and prioritizes technology development in space-based communications, earth observation, and climate-related satellite services.

The move isn’t just about rockets or national pride, for the business community the  implications of the new agency are tangible. Singapore’s strategy aims to support high-growth adjacent sectors including data analytics, semiconductor manufacturing, precision engineering, and satellite-enabled climate resilience services.

Of particular interest to regional investors is Singapore’s focus on commercializing satellite applications, earth imagery, weather intelligence, maritime surveillance, that have direct utility for insurers, agritech startups, logistics operators, and smart city developers.

With over 20 local space companies and 2,000 professionals already active in the ecosystem, OSTIn’s enhanced mandate may unlock new public-private investment flows in deep tech and dual-use innovation.

Ms Ngiam Le Na will be appointed chief executive ( designate ) of the NSAS from February 2. She will then assume the position of chief executive, NSAS from April 1 after relinquishing her appointment as deputy chief executive officer at DSO National Laboratories.

Ngiam has overseen the acquisition and development of Earth Observation satellites to serve national needs in areas such as environmental monitoring, maritime security and disaster relief. She also supported the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore ( CAAS ) in their build-up of counter-drone capabilities and led the development of digital solutions that supported the inter-agency task forces in managing the Covid-19 pandemic.

The new National Space Office will also represent Singapore in international regulatory forums, crucial as space becomes a contested domain and compliance with orbital sustainability standards grows critical.