The National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) at the United Arab Emirates University Announces the Launch Date of its First Satellite "Al Ain Sat-1" to Promote Remote Sensing Research

The United Arab Emirates University has announced the completion of all necessary preparations for the launch of its first satellite, "Al Ain Sat-1." In collaboration with the Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society (GRSS), affiliated with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The satellite will be launched via the " Falcon 9 SpaceX" rocket.

This announcement was made during a press briefing for this ground breaking scientific event, attended by H.E.Prof. Ahmed Ali Alraeesi, Acting Vice Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, Mr. Ali Alshehhi, Director of the National Space Science and Technology Center, and Dr. Abdel Halim Al Jallad, Director of the Al Ain Sat program.

H.E.Prof. Ahmed Ali Alraeesi, emphasized that the launch of "Al AinSat-1" reflects the vision of the UAE leadership in keeping pace with modern technologies and exploring space. The National Space Science and Technology Center at the university contributes to the development of national plans, programs, and pioneering space science projects, through collaboration with local and international strategic partners to achieve shared goals. This will help improve the quality of research outputs according to the highest international academic standards.

H.E. further added, "This national project has been prepared in collaboration with the Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society (GRSS), and developed by a research team from various institutions, including the Telkom University in Indonesia, Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan and the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in Spain. This collaboration has significantly boosted joint scientific efforts and will contribute to enhancing the United Arab Emirates University’s role in advancing platforms for creativity and innovation in space science. It will also provide a research and educational environment for students and researchers in satellite payloads and their practical applications, enhancing expertise and skills, and offering unique opportunities in specialized scientific fields aligned with space research technologies."

On his part Mr. Ali Alshehhi explained that the National Space Science and Technology Center at the United Arab Emirates University continues its leading role in advancing the UAE’s ambitions in space and its mission to foster innovation in the country's space sector. The center plays a pivotal role in strengthening space initiatives and bridging the gap between academia and the technologies used in the space industry. This commitment is reflected in the "Al AinSat-1" program, a joint effort between the center and the Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society (GRSS), of the IEEE. He noted that the satellite is designed as a 3U CubeSat, measuring 10 cm x 10 cm x 30 cm, with a mass of 3.7 kg and operating in a low Earth orbit.

He added, "The program aims to empower student teams from various local and international universities to work on developing small satellites, and then exchange experiences and knowledge among them. This project is part of a series of initiatives by the center aimed at creating an inspiring environment for students and researchers to develop their skills and expertise in the field of space. At the center, we focus on providing unique opportunities for students to work on satellite projects, the first of which, 'Al Ain Sat-1', serves as a live model of fruitful international cooperation. It brought together student minds from around the world to work towards a shared goal in space technology. It also reflects our vision of 'Space Without boundaries, demonstrating that teamwork and knowledge exchange between different cultures and countries enhance scientific and technological achievements, and inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts."