Myanmar set to launch its first satellite to study environment from space

Myanmar is among nine Asian countries launching microsatellites that will track typhoons, seismic activity and water flows

It is the first space venture for Myanmar, the least economically developed country in a consortium that includes the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia

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Myanmar is set to launch its first-ever satellite. Photo: AFP

Published: 4:30pm, 24 Jul 2020Updated: 9:14pm, 24 Jul 2020

Myanmar is preparing to launch its first-ever satellite, joining an unlikely coalition of nascent space nations aiming to protect millions from environmental disasters.

The future “super constellation” of microsatellites from nine Asian countries will track typhoons, seismic activity and water flows, as well as provide data on land use, the growth of crops and disease outbreaks.

It is the first space venture for Myanmar, the least economically developed country in a consortium that includes the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Engineer Thu Thu Aung, 40, says being involved in the satellite launch is a dream come true. Photo: AFP

The benefits of observing the environment from space match the millions of dollars Myanmar is spending, says Kyi Thwin, rector of the Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University.

“It’s simply less expensive if we build our own satellite,” he said from inside the university’s space shuttle-shaped building near the town of Meiktila, adding the technology will help Myanmar’s economy “leapfrog forward”.

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