Since the beginning of the 1960s, mankind took a giant leap by aiming for the Moon and beyond in pursuit of colonisation. The idea of a “Space Race” began after World War II, epitomised by the United States and the Soviet Union competing for dominance in space exploration during the mid-20th century.

The race ended on July 20, 1969, when astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to set foot on the lunar surface, while Michael Collins remained in orbit aboard the command module.

The prestige of being the nation that first put a man on the Moon fulfilled the promise made by the late President John F. Kennedy. On May 25, 1961, he declared that “The United States would land a man on the Moon and return him safely to Earth before the end of the decade”. He delivered his pledge.

The Soviet Union, despite achieving milestones such as the first satellite (Sputnik 1 in 1957), the first human in space (Yuri Gagarin in 1961), and the first woman in space (Valentina Tereshkova in 1963), ultimately failed to achieve the defining goal of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely before the United States.

Solar system’s commodities

Today, the term “Space Race” has been revitalised, encompassing a broader set of stakeholders – national governments, international coalitions, and private enterprises. The main drivers of this renewed interest lie in the solar system’s commodities. Private entities are not only pursuing scientific prestige but also tangible economic and technological gains.

The solar system holds resources vital for future human colonies, including Helium-3 (³He) on the Moon for potential nuclear fusion reactors and “Platinum Group Metals” (platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium) in the asteroid belt, essential for electronics, batteries, and catalysts. Water ice deposits on the Moon and Mars could support settlers and serve as hydrogen and oxygen sources for rocket fuel.

Similarly, rare-earth elements in asteroids could reduce dependence on destructive terrestrial mining, enabling more sustainable supply chains. These vast untapped resources promise to reshape economies, accelerate innovation, and extend humanity’s reach beyond Earth.

Malaysia’s space milestones

Malaysia’s venture into space exploration has been limited, but several milestones remain a source of national pride. The Angkasawan programme in 2007 sent Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor aboard the Russian Soyuz TMA-11 capsule for 10 days, from Oct 10 to 21. His backup, Major Dr Faiz Khaleed, did not travel to space but contributed actively to outreach efforts in later years.

Malaysia also established the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) in 2019 and developed satellite programmes such as MEASAT and RazakSAT, demonstrating recognition of space technology’s importance for communication, Earth observation, and national development.

In 2023, MYSA launched the Malaysia Space Policy 2030, focusing on satellite technology, disaster management applications, climate change monitoring, and fostering a domestic space industry. More recently, the earthquake that struck Johor between Aug 24 and 27, 2025 caught Malaysians by surprise, as the nation is considered a low seismic-risk zone.

These tremors highlight that the long-assumed inactive Mersing Fault Zone can be reactivated, emphasising the need for preparedness. Space-derived satellite technology can enhance seismic monitoring and enable early warning systems with direct mobile alerts. Given these applications, Malaysia’s involvement in space technology offers vital contributions to national resilience.

Spin-off technologies

Although full-scale space colonisation may be an ambitious dream for a small country like Malaysia, spin-off technologies from space missions can benefit local markets. The Global Positioning System (GPS) has enabled modern business models to flourish, such as food delivery services, courier networks, and efficient nationwide logistics.

Space technologies frequently cross over into civilian use, creating new markets and societal benefits. Lightweight spacecraft materials, for instance, can be adapted for the automotive and aviation industries to produce faster, stronger, and more fuel-efficient vehicles. Similarly, advanced solar panels and energy storage systems developed for space can strengthen Malaysia’s renewable energy sector, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and traditional power grids.

Aligned with the Global Sustainability Goals, portable and space-efficient designs can support the construction of environmentally friendly and disaster-resilient smart cities. Modular infrastructure reduces land use, energy demand, and construction waste. Space-inspired systems such as water recyclers, compact energy packs, and advanced waste-management units create sustainable and self-sufficient living environments.

These portable solutions also enable rapid deployment of emergency shelters, mobile hospitals, and backup power during natural disasters, bolstering urban resilience. Living units that include exercise facilities, bedrooms, kitchens, agricultural plots, entertainment rooms, and workstations can be modularly designed to maximise limited space while maintaining high functionality.

Therefore, although Malaysia’s direct participation in space colonisation through major coalitions may be challenging, the technological benefits that spill over into local markets are invaluable. These advances can elevate societal prosperity and bring sustainable infrastructure into major cities.

By investing in space-driven innovations, Malaysia positions itself as a progressive nation that leverages science and technology for economic growth and social well-being. This approach strengthens national resilience and ensures competitiveness in an increasingly technology-driven global landscape.

-- BERNAMA

Dr Maziah Mat Rosly (maziahmr@um.edu.my) is a senior lecturer at the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.