Singapore’s first satellite to orbit closest to Earth

Singapore’s first satellite to fly closest to the Earth, carrying novel technologies and capturing high-quality pictures, has been developed by Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and will be ready for take-off in mid-2025.

Elite has been developed by Nanyang Technological University. (Photo: The Straits Times)
Elite has been developed by Nanyang Technological University. (Photo: The Straits Times)

Singapore (VNA) – Singapore’s first satellite to fly closest to the Earth, carrying novel technologies and capturing high-quality pictures, has been developed by Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and will be ready for take-off in mid-2025.

Most satellites in space are found at least 500-800km from the Earth. The new 1.2-metre-tall satellite, called Extremely Low Earth Imaging Technology Explorer (Elite), will soar just 250km above the globe.

This altitude is a relatively unexplored part of space with a harsher environment for machines since they are surrounded by highly reactive gases and atmospheric friction. Only a handful of such satellites are in very low orbit currently.

The size of a small fridge, Elite is the NTU’s 14th satellite and the largest and most complex to date.

Executive director of the Satellite Research Centre Lim Wee Seng said as Elite will be half the distance from the Earth compared with a conventional satellite, it can capture better quality images up to 50 centimetres in resolution.

Besides, telecommunication could also improve since a satellite closer to Earth will reduce network delays, he said.

According to Lim, with fewer spacecraft in a 250km orbit, Elite will be able to manoeuvre through space without the risk of colliding with another vehicle or disused satellite.

Singapore is not a space-faring nation, but its niche lies in building high-tech space components and small satellites. The country is home to more than 60 local and international space-tech firms, with a combined total of over 2,000 professionals and researchers.

Since 2011, Singapore has launched more than 30 satellites./.

VNA

See more

Delegates at the event (Photo: kpl.gov.la)

Laos aims for sustainable infrastructure development

Laos' Enabling Environment Roadmap for Infrastructure Asset Management (IAM EE) outlines strategies for the effective management of public infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals, with a focus on resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Strong earthquake strikes eastern Indonesia (Photo: scienceexchange.caltech.edu)

Strong earthquake strikes eastern Indonesia

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake occurred at 5:15 pm, with its epicenter located 93 km northeast of Indonesia's Maluku Barat Daya district and a hypocenter at a depth of 157 km beneath the seabed. No tsunami warning has been issued.

Rescue forces are racing against time to search for victims of the earthquake that hit Myanmar on March 28, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Myanmar earthquake: Devastation’s full extend is not clear

Myanmar's state media quoted military government leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as saying the earthquake death toll had reached 2,065, with more than 3,900 injured and some 270 missing. Aid agencies forecast these numbers will rise significantly due to information blackouts in remote areas.

File - Passengers pass through the automatic immigration checkpoint (auto gate) at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, January 3, 2024. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia operates auto gates at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport

According to Johanes Fanny Satria Cahya Aprianto, head of the airport's immigration office, immigration services are fully prepared for the surge in passengers. Currently the office has deployed 531 personnel to ensure smooth and efficient immigration processing at the airport.

Rescuers on March 30 search for missing people after the earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

WHO seeks urgent funding for Myanmar after devastating earthquake

In its flash appeal for funds, the WHO said the high numbers of casualties and trauma injuries are at high risk of infection due to limited surgical capacity in the country, while the underlying conditions in Myanmar meant the quake is likely to intensify the risk of diseases.

Belgian King Philippe and Queen Mathilde (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Belgian monarchs’ state visit to open new chapter in bilateral cooperation

As a major player in the region and one of the most dynamic economies in Asia, Vietnam is an indispensable partner for Belgium. The meetings with the various Vietnamese authorities will therefore offer an excellent opportunity to further deepen and enrich this diverse partnership, according the Belgian Federal Public Service of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha. (Photo: khmertimeskh.com)

Cambodia strengthens cross-border crime control

In 2024, Cambodia cracked down 197 cases relating to human trafficking and sexual exploitation, an increase of over 20% compared to the previous year. The authorities identified 523 victims and arrested 273 suspects and sent them to court, including 30 foreigners.