Science & Tech · Space · 3 hrs ago
Singapore schools give students hands-on experience for space careers
Young Singaporeans are exploring careers in the space industry as Singapore looks to develop the sector.
Fourteen-year-old Edmund Lim built a low-cost antenna at home to receive radio broadcasts and learn more about how satellites communicate with Earth.
Schools are giving students practical ways to explore space technology, including projects on solar activity and building satellites.
The School of Science and Technology's centre, which opened in April, gives students access to an observatory and radio room to track satellites and communicate with radio users around the world.
Seventeen-year-old Gavriel Chia uses the facilities to study solar flares and photograph distant galaxies, while hoping to become an astronomy researcher.
The industry needs more than astronauts and rocket crews: it also employs engineers, researchers and data specialists, and space technology can be used in fields such as maritime and finance.
Singapore's space sector employs about 2,000 people, and the country is seeking to grow it; educators say early exposure can help build a local talent pipeline.
Singapore schools are giving students hands-on experience with space-related projects as the country seeks to grow its space industry.
Projects include tracking satellites, studying solar activity and using radio equipment to receive signals.
The School of Science and Technology’s space technology centre, which opened in April, includes an observatory and radio room.
Fourteen-year-old Edmund Lim became interested in radio communications through a school lesson and built a home antenna.
Singapore’s space industry employs about 2,000 professionals, according to figures shared in parliament by Minister Tan See Leng.
- Who
- Singapore schools and students interested in space careers.
- What
- Schools are offering hands-on space-related projects and facilities to introduce students to the field.
- When
- The article was published on Nov 12, 2026. The space technology centre opened in April.
- Where
- Singapore, including the School of Science and Technology in Singapore.
- Why
- Singapore is looking to grow its nascent space industry, and educators say early exposure will help build a pipeline of local talent.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
SST's space technology centre opened with an observatory and radio room.
Minister Tan See Leng shared in parliament that Singapore's space industry employs about 2,000 professionals.
CNA published its report on young Singaporeans preparing for space careers.
- Space industry workforce
- About 2,000 professionals
- Student antenna materials
- S$20 worth of wire
- Student radio receiver
- S$50
- SST space technology centre
- Opened in April
- SST observatory
- One of two secondary-school observatories in Singapore
What people are saying
We managed to receive data from radio stations from all around Singapore. That made me interested in radio communications
This sort of equipment is not easily accessible to amateur astronomers like us because of the price and the space constraints we have.
Some of my friends ask what I'm doing, and if I'm speaking to aliens