Setting-up the Assembly, Integration and Test Centre in Malaysia

Abstract

As one of the developing countries, Malaysia has started its space program since 1996 with the launch MEASAT-1 and MEASAT-2 communication satellites, and is now operated by a private company called Measat Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd, formerly known as Binariang Sdn. Bhd. The launch of MEASAT-1 and MEASAT-2 led to a rapid increase in Malaysian infrastructure development, both in telecommunication and broadcasting industries, including the launch of the world's first digital Direct-To-Home(DTH) Multi-Channel TV Service, ASTRO. In year 2000, Malaysia launched its first national remote sensing satellite named TiungSAT-1 and four years later, Malaysia completed its second national remote sensing satellite RazakSAT™. After the development success of two national satellites, Malaysia is ready to take a step further by setting up and to successfully operate an “Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) Centre” which will be used for most of the assembly and integration works for a satellite as well as the launch and environmental testing for a satellite. When a satellite is launched, it suffers a huge environmental impact both while on earth and in space. The vibro-acoustic and electromagnetic effect during launch and thermal effect in space may damage the satellite before it even begins its lifetime. Each satellite's qualification and acceptance tests differ from another due to the unique satellite's design characteristic such as the satellite's position, movement, local time, etc. Besides that, the orbit, altitude and launcher selection also plays an important role the determining the satellite test setup and test parameters. This centre will be the next stepping stone for the development of space program in Malaysia; therefore it is critical that the planning of AIT facility is in line with the objectives of the country's space program. This paper explains the overall setting up the Malaysia AIT facility including the test equipments that are needed to conduct environmental tests on the satellites and conclude by explaining the current progress of establishing the Malaysia AIT facility as well as future plans to be taken to establish this facility as one of the top testing facility.