LANGKAWI: Malaysia took a significant leap forward in shaping the regional space economy with the official launch of the A.T.M.O.S Sphere at the 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA’25) on 20 May 2025.
Positioned at the core of LIMA’s newly expanded Space and Innovation pillar, the A.T.M.O.S Sphere serves as a dynamic launchpad for innovation, global engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. This year’s exhibition, themed “Innovate Today, Thrive Tomorrow,” underscores Malaysia’s ambition to lead in aerospace, maritime, and now, space technologies.
Official Launch Signals Strategic Momentum
The A.T.M.O.S Sphere was unveiled by Dato’ Nonee Ashirin binti Dato’ Mohd Radzi, Executive Chairman of Global Turbine Asia Sdn Bhd (GTA) and Strategy Advisor to Global Exhibitions and Conferences (GEC), in a ceremony attended by Datuk Seri Haji Hasnol Zam Zam bin Haji Ahmad, Secretary General of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI).
LIMA’25 is hosted by the Ministry of Defence Malaysia (MINDEF) and co-organised by GEC, maintaining its status as the Asia-Pacific region’s premier platform for showcasing advancements in defence, aerospace, maritime, and space sectors.
The A.T.M.O.S Sphere will highlight the role of space technology in advancing climate science, telecommunications, navigation, agriculture, and national security. It is designed to act as a convergence point for government, industry, and academia, fostering high-impact dialogue and strategic partnerships.
Malaysia’s First Young Cosmonaut School Announced
A key highlight of the launch was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Nonee Ashirin Foundation and CWC Enterprise Pte. Ltd. to establish Malaysia’s first Young Cosmonaut School in Penang.
“This agreement made possible by the launch of the A.T.M.O.S Sphere, marks our commitment to building a sustainable space ecosystem in Malaysia. Through collaboration and education, we are laying the groundwork for long-term growth in the global space economy,” said Dato’ Nonee Ashirin.
Joining the launch was Russian cosmonaut trainer Mr Timofey Egorov, who lauded the initiative as a critical step toward inspiring and training Malaysia’s next generation of space leaders.
“The initiative aims to empower children to begin their space journey at an early age by sparking their curiosity and teaching them essential skills—including ethics, which is vital for any successful astronaut,” Egorov said.
“Malaysia is uniquely positioned to become a key hub for space development in the region—not only due to its strategic location near the equator, but also because of its forward-looking policies that support exploration, education, and innovation,” he added.
A Dome of Discovery and Immersive Engagement
Throughout LIMA’25, the A.T.M.O.S Sphere will offer an engaging programme of live demonstrations, experiential exhibits, and expert talks. Attendees can experience rocket launch simulations, immersive art installations exploring space and oceanic environments, and “The Future One” talks featuring global and local thought leaders.
As a symbol of Malaysia’s rising influence in the NewSpace economy, the A.T.M.O.S Sphere is more than an exhibition dome—it is a bold statement of intent, designed to accelerate regional leadership and empower future innovators.
