MRCC 2026 Participation More Than Doubles

PASIR SALAK, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- Participation in this year's Malaysia Rocket CanSat Competition (MRCC) has more than doubled from the 2024 edition, reflecting growing interest in space technology among the younger generation.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Chang Lih Kang said this year's MRCC attracted 130 teams and 650 students, compared with 63 teams and 126 students in 2024.

He said 104 teams, involving 425 students and 152 mentors, will be competing in this year's final in Perak.

"This achievement also reflects the rising interest among the younger generation in space technology, particularly rocket and satellite technologies.

"This success is also due to the strong commitment shown by educators, mentors, institutions, and strategic partners in an effort to cultivate space technology talent,” he said in his speech at the closing ceremony of MRCC 2026 here today.

His speech was read out by National Planetarium director Mohd Zamri Shah Mastor.

Chang said the increased number of participants showed that the MRCC does not merely serve as a competition platform, but can also spark interest among the younger generation to explore the field of science, technology and innovation (STI), particularly in space technology.

He said Universiti Teknologi MARA's (UiTM) achievement in releasing its second nanosatellite, UiTMSAT-2, into orbit from the International Space Station (ISS) on Feb 3 also proved that Malaysia can develop and manage its own space technology.

 "UiTMSAT-2 is a CubeSat nanosatellite that carries the primary mission of an Earth observation camera and the secondary mission of a space-based Internet of Things.

As such, he urged all MRCC 2026 participants to use the experience gained throughout the competition as a starting point to continue learning, exploring and innovating, regardless of their results in the competition.

He hopes the MRCC will produce scientists and engineers who will one day develop the country's rockets, satellites and space technologies, in line with the aspirations of the National Space Policy 2030.

-- BERNAMA