LeoLabs took a significant step toward advancing space situational awareness (SSA) in the Asia-Pacific region by entering a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Singapore-based ST Engineering Geo-Insights on February 26. The signing took place at the Global Space Technology Convention & Exhibition in Singapore, marking the beginning of collaboration in space traffic management solutions. 

Under the MOU, LeoLabs and ST Engineering Geo-Insights will explore the potential to establish an SSA Centre, expand LeoLabs’ equatorial radar coverage, and promote SSA services across the region. This initiative is critical as low Earth orbit (LEO) becomes increasingly congested, with the number of operational satellites approaching 10,000—a figure LeoLabs projects could surge to 70,000 or more by 2030. 

LeoLabs’ next-generation radar technology is designed to address the growing need for persistent Orbital Intelligence. With its modular and rapidly deployable radar systems, LeoLabs is uniquely positioned to proliferate radars that support global SSA missions.  

In December, LeoLabs unveiled Seeker, its next-generation Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radar in Arizona, USA, enhancing tracking precision and capacity. Additional radar sites and technological advancements are expected to be announced later this year. Earlier this month, LeoLabs was selected for a Strategic Funding Increase through the U.S. Air Force Research Lab and SPACEWERX that will include developing, deploying, and operating a Seeker-class radar in the Indo-Pacific region by 2027. 

The MOU between LeoLabs and ST Engineering Geo-Insights aligns with Singapore’s broader commitment to space technology. On February 26, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, pledged an additional $45 million over the next two years to expand its space program, following a $150 million investment in 2022 for research and development in space technologies.

While in Singapore, LeoLabs Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder Dr. Edward Lu also took the stage at the Singapore Space Symposium, where he underscored the urgent need for better global radar coverage to track satellites and debris. He highlighted the value of additional equatorial radar coverage in Southeast Asia, emphasizing the importance of collaborative solutions. 

Following the symposium, Dr. Lu shared his experiences as a former NASA astronaut with students at the Singapore University of Technology and Design. During this special event organized by the U.S. embassy, he offered insights from his space career and discussed the critical role of SSA in ensuring sustainable space operations. 

As the space industry continues to expand at an unprecedented rate, collaborations like the LeoLabs and ST Engineering Geo-Insights MOU will be essential to ensure a safe, secure, and sustainable orbital environment for future generations.