Malaysian satellite solutions provider MEASAT Global has partnered Chinese low earth orbit (LEO) satellite operator Shanghai SPACESAIL Technologies (formerly Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology) to advance LEO satellite services.

MEASAT said in a statement on Thursday that the duo have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the partnership.

The MoU is aimed at facilitating potential collaboration between the two companies including provision of Spacesail’s LEO broadband services and solutions with their Thousand Sails mega constellation (also known as Qianfan), emerging technologies such as direct-to-device (D2D) communications, satellite-based internet of things (IoT) capabilities and earth observation (EO) services; in Malaysia and markets in Asia where MEASAT is present, and additionally a joint rain fade study on Q/V-band high frequency transmission.

“In 2024, Malaysia marked the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic relations with the China, celebrating the many positive outcomes of this cordial friendship,

“Looking forward, there are abundant opportunities for deeper collaboration, especially in harnessing advanced technologies to enhance people’s lives,” said Fahmi Fadzil, Communications Minister of Malaysia.

According to him, these innovations have the potential to drive a wide array of benefits, from improving the delivery of government services to fostering economic growth through
industrial and commercial applications.

“Additionally, with Malaysia serving as Chairman of ASEAN this year, we hope to showcase the country’s technological capabilities and explore new opportunities across the region,” he added.

Meanwhile, Yau Chyong Lim, Chief Operating Officer of MEASAT, said MEASAT is excited to begin this partnership with SPACESAIL to advance LEO satellite services across the firm’s markets.

He said the firm firmly believes in a multi-orbit satellite network to achieve progress in society and are pleased to have the opportunity to integrate the capabilities of SPACESAIL’s Thousand Sails mega constellation with MEASAT’s fleet of geostationary orbit (GSO) satellites.

“In regions where MEASAT operates, satellites have immense potential in further bridging the digital divide and overcoming geographical challenges,

“We look forward to realizing this multi-orbit potential – from expanding the reach of established use-cases like satellite broadband in remote areas to advancing cutting edge satellite solutions such as D2D connectivity and satellite-based IoT,” he added.

Jason Zheng, President of SPACESAIL, further commented for SPACESAIL, this partnership with MEASAT is another milestone in delivering global broadband connectivity and driving
innovation in the satellite industry by synergizing our respective strengths.

“China and Malaysia are two nations that value the role of technology in empowering businesses and improving lives, and I look forward to achieving technological progress by tapping on MEASAT’s local expertise while strengthening bilateral ties – including in upcoming fields like the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial network communications,” he added.

According to the statement, SPACESAIL’s Thousand Sails mega constellation, which has already launched 72 satellites to date, seeks to provide low-latency, high-speed and ultra reliable satellite broadband internet services worldwide.

The mega constellation is targeted to consist of more than 15,000 satellites in the future.

MEASAT is a supplier of satellite communication services across Malaysia, Asia and Australia.

The firm’s MEASAT-3b, and MEASAT-3d satellites at the prime 91.5°E hotslot facilitates the distribution of Direct-To-Home TV channels to over 20 million viewers across the region.

As Malaysia’s leading satellite solutions provider, it offers a wide range of customized services.

The firm offers cellular backhaul and corporate networks to high-speed broadband internet to diverse clients, including government, telecommunications companies, maritime and oil
& gas industries, enterprises, and small and medium-sized businesses.

Additionally, it serves as an authorized reseller of Starlink services, further expanding its reach and multi-orbit capabilities.

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