Singapore is set to launch its own domestically built satellite, X-Sat, into space in mid 2010.

The 120kg micro-satellite will launch atop an Indian Space Research Organisation-built polar satellite launch vehicle.

X-Sat, which is being developed by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and DSO National Laboratories, will be partly powered by solar energy and spend three years in orbit at an altitude of 800km, according to Strait Times.

Collecting images measuring soil erosion and monitoring environmental changes the micro-satellite relays information from sensors to a ground station at NTU.

X-Sat is expected to cost approximately S$40m (US$29m) and is scheduled to launch in June-July 2010.