Malaysia’s ambitions to enter the commercial space launch market have taken a step forward, with international advisory firm Fire Arrow announcing an agreement in principle to support feasibility and concept development for a proposed spaceport in Kuantan.
The project centres on a planned horizontal launch facility within Pahang Aerospace City (PAC), a state-backed aerospace and advanced mobility development on Malaysia’s east coast. Fire Arrow will undertake a structured feasibility programme covering site planning, operational concepts, regulatory pathways and phased delivery strategy, aimed at preparing the project for potential launch operations.
The proposed model focuses on horizontal launch systems, in which rockets are deployed from aircraft at altitude rather than launched vertically from ground-based pads. Such systems are often positioned as requiring lower infrastructure investment and offering operational flexibility, particularly for the growing small satellite market.
If progressed, the spaceport would be integrated into the wider Kuantan international airport development. Proponents argue this could position Pahang as a regional hub for advanced aerospace and space-enabled services in Southeast Asia, a region where dedicated orbital launch infrastructure remains limited.
Fire Arrow said it will apply its established methodology for spaceport development, including validation of business case assumptions, regulatory readiness assessments and operational modelling required to transition from concept to investment-ready infrastructure. The firm has previously supported governments and commercial operators in developing launch strategies and infrastructure planning.
The announcement coincides with leadership changes at Fire Arrow. Operations Director Stuart Fyvie has been appointed Managing Director, while Professor Mick O’Connor will become Chair. A new Finance Director is also being appointed as the company expands its global portfolio. An advisory board has been established, including former Virgin Galactic Chief Pilot Dave Mackay, Alderman Professor Emma Edhem and former QinetiQ Director Ian Beresford.
Fyvie described the PAC engagement as a milestone for the company, noting increasing global demand for structured spaceport development advisory services.
From the Malaysian side, Adjunct Professor M. Nurazmi Abas, CEO of Pahang Aerospace City Development Berhad (PACDB), framed the initiative as part of a broader national ambition to build credible and investable space infrastructure.
He said the feasibility phase is intended to ensure that any spaceport development in Kuantan is commercially viable, operationally robust and aligned with international regulatory standards. The longer-term objective is to anchor domestic capability, talent development and international partnerships within Malaysia’s evolving space and aerospace strategy.
Pahang Aerospace City is positioned as an integrated development combining aviation, aerospace manufacturing, advanced mobility, digital infrastructure and space capability. Kuantan’s coastal location offers relatively uncongested airspace, maritime access and regional connectivity advantages that may be attractive for certain launch profiles, particularly horizontal systems.
The collaboration also reflects growing UK–Malaysia engagement in advanced aerospace technologies, with Fire Arrow’s involvement highlighting Scotland’s expanding role in international commercial space infrastructure advisory.
While the project remains at feasibility stage, it signals Malaysia’s intent to explore participation in the global space economy beyond satellite ownership and downstream services, potentially moving into upstream launch capability subject to regulatory approval, commercial validation and long-term investment.
Image: (L-R Daniel Smith, Commercial Director Fire Arrow, Adj. Prof. M. Nurazmi Abas, CEO, Pahang Aerospace City Development Berhad (PACDB), YB Dato Haji Azlikamil Napiah Malaysian Space Agency Director General, Richard Lochhead MSP Minister for Business and Employment,Prof. Mick O’Connor, Chair, Fire Arrow, Stuart Fyvie, Managing Director, Fire Arrow)
