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Last year, her company made history with the launch of Malaysia’s first pico satellite, SpaceANT-D, in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
Pico-satellites are small satellites typically weighing less than 1kg that can perform a variety of software and hardware tests in a relatively cost-effective way.
The launch of SpaceANT-D cast light on the capabilities and competitiveness of Malaysian talent in the aerospace industry.
Meanwhile, SpaceIn is on its way to producing SpaceANT-1, built to assist in forest management, and is scheduled for launch at the end of this year.
The satellite is designed to receive data from sensors in the forest and transmit it back to both the earth station and cloud storage for easy access by users.
Norilmi’s dream is that with the production of a satellite that is 100% made in Malaysia, the country won’t have to rely on external technology.
“SpaceIn aims to develop the local industry by constructing components here,” she said.
Norilmi, who also serves as the space programme co-ordinator at the USM aerospace engineering centre, said she had faced challenges in getting SpaceIn up and running.
“It is not easy as a female founder. Sometimes, when meeting investors, they are reluctant to collaborate due to existing stereotypes.
“Usually, as a woman, you have to prove that you can do it,” said Norilmi, who has been with USM since 2012.
She admitted having often faced discrimination but believes she has handled all these obstacles well, more so now, with the success of the launch.
She hopes this will spur talented women in the country to have the confidence to contribute their opinions, ideas, and intelligence in solving problems.
“In Malaysia, there are a lot of female graduates in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). However, there is a gap in the middle of their careers, often due to family and other issues.
“Therefore, it is important for women to stay in the industry or in business because their input is needed,” she said, adding that men need to support them as well.
Norilmi was also the only mentor from Malaysia in the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs Space4Women programme in 2022, which provided educational and career opportunities in space and STEM for women worldwide.
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