Why Space matters in ASEAN -- Indonesian space policy, regulations and programs: past achievements and future prospects -- Space Sector Development in Malaysia -- The Philippine Space Program: A Modern Take on Establishing a National Space Program -- Singapore, a sustained ambition towards a commercial space sector -- Vietnam: An Ambitious Satellite Development Program -- Comparison of established ASEAN space programs and lessons learned -- Other ASEAN countries: space achievements so far -- Concrete recommendations for space development in non-spacefaring countries -- Connecting Space with Citizens of ASEAN: A Social and Policy Ecosystem for Sustainable Space Development -- The role of the United Nations for space applications development and utilization in ASEAN.

This book presents the first-ever comprehensive analysis of ASEAN space development programs. Written by prominent actors in the region, it goes beyond a mere exposé of the history, current status and future plans of ASEAN space technology development and utilization programs, by analyzing the conditions in which a space program can be initiated in the region. It does so in two ways: on the one hand, it questions the relevance of and motivations behind the inception of space development programs in developing countries, and on the other hand, it focuses on the very specific context of ASEAN (a highly disaster-prone area shaped by unique political alliances with a distinctive geopolitical ecosystem and enormous economic potential, etc.). Last but not least, after having analyzed established and emerging space programs in the region, it provides concrete recommendations for any regional or extra-regional developing nation eager to gain a foothold in space. As such, this book offers a valuable resource for researchers and engineers in the field of space technology, as well as for space agencies and government policymakers.