UAE’s 20kg satellite aims to unlock space for all

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United Nations (UN) are collaborating on a space initiative that involves the launch of a small satellite on June 27. Known as the PHI-Demo CubeSat, this modular satellite consists of 12 units and will be launched into space via a Russian Soyuz-2 rocket from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia. The satellite is part of the Payload Hosting Initiative (PHI), a program established by the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs and the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.

The PHI initiative aims to provide opportunities in space for startups and countries that are developing their own space programs. It involves the development of miniature satellites by engineers from the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, with technology from startups and companies integrated into these satellites to facilitate their access to space. The PHI-Demo mission marks the first step in this initiative, serving as a test for future PHI missions while offering significant benefits to organizations and entities in the region.

The 20kg satellite carries technology payloads from two companies. One payload is a propulsion subsystem developed by UK-based SteamJet Space Systems, which utilizes water as a fuel source, contributing to a greener and more sustainable use of space. The other payload is built by US company OQ Technology and focuses on developing an Internet of Things (IoT) communication system using 5G technology. This system enables the storage and forwarding of data collected from IoT devices in remote areas, industries, and autonomous vehicles.

Mission control specialists at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre will be responsible for communicating with the satellite once it is in orbit at an altitude of 550km. Additionally, laboratories at the American University in Ras Al Khaimah and Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi will also contribute to the satellite’s operations by sending commands. The satellite’s solar panels will be activated upon reaching orbit.

The launch and initial operational phase will be closely monitored over a meticulously planned five-day period. During this time, the technical team from the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre will maintain precise 10-minute communications with the PHI-Demo satellite as it passes over the UAE. Once this phase is successfully completed, the team will proceed with payload operations. Ground stations located at the university campuses will handle command operations, with faculty members taking the lead in these operations.

The next satellite under the Payload Hosting Initiative, the PHI-1 CubeSat, will involve the participation of Bahrain and Nepal. Bahrain’s National Space Science Agency will develop the Aman payload, which aims to enhance communication between the satellite and the ground station. Nepal’s Antarikchya Pratisthan, a non-profit organization, will contribute to the Danfe Space Mission, focusing on the study of drone operations in space.