The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has recently confirmed that they successfully deployed the inaugural mission of the Payload Hosting Initiative (PHI). The PHI-Demo satellite has been positioned in orbit.
Today, the Soyuz-2 rocket launched the PHI-Demo satellite from Russia’s Vostochny Cosmodrome at 3:34 pm UAE time. This groundbreaking endeavor, a pioneering achievement in the Arab region, involved the construction of all mechanical parts in the UAE through collaboration with the private sector.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has developed the “platform” or structure of the PHI-Demo satellite, which accommodates the payloads, entirely through the efforts of an Emirati team. This Emirati-crafted project, showcasing local innovation and expertise, forms the foundation of the pioneering PHI initiative. In collaboration with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), MBRSC has taken a joint leadership role in this project, marking the beginning of a new era of international cooperation in space exploration. The initiative aims to facilitate the sustainable progress of groundbreaking space technologies.
MBRSC’s Vision: Cultivating an Ecosystem of Innovation and Excellence
Reflecting on the achievement, Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General, MBRSC, said: “The successful launch of the PHI-Demo, a satellite entirely constructed in the UAE, marks a significant milestone in our nation’s space journey. This milestone is a testament to our unyielding commitment and growing capabilities in the realm of space technology.”
He added: “At MBRSC, our vision encompasses the cultivation of an ecosystem of innovation and excellence, where partnerships with the private sector are instrumental in facilitating the exchange of knowledge, catalysing ground-breaking discoveries, and fostering the next generation of Emirati space pioneers. As we move forward, we remain guided by the spirit of innovation, and a firm determination to advance our nation’s role in contributing to global space exploration and technological growth.”
MBRSC has introduced a cutting-edge 12U modular satellite platform that carries two technology payloads as part of the PHI-Demo satellite mission. The first payload, developed by UAE-based start-up OQ Technology under MBRSC’s Space Ventures initiative, is an advanced IoT communication system utilizing state-of-the-art 5G technology. This payload enables data collection and transmission from IoT devices.SteamJet from the UK has designed the second payload, a revolutionary green propulsion subsystem that uses water as its primary propellant. This exemplifies a sustainable approach to space propulsion.
Emirati Engineers: Driving the Success of PHI-Demo
With a planned one-year operational period, the PHI-Demo satellite is poised to make significant contributions to the evolving landscape of space technology. This launch reinforces MBRSC’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery and technological innovation. It also solidifies the UAE’s position as a leader in innovation and growth within the realm of space technology.
In the coming days, the MBRSC team will activate and test the payloads while the satellite orbits above the UAE. Collaboratively, Khalifa University and the American University of Ras Al Khaimah will conduct the command operations, with the ground stations situated on their respective campuses. Faculty members from the universities will take the lead in operating the satellite.
Zakaria Al Shamsi, Project Manager of the Payload Hosting Initiative, MBRSC, said: “The successful launch of PHI-Demo, complete with its advanced payloads, is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our Emirati engineers. The experience and insights garnered from PHI-Demo’s development and launch have equipped us with a profound understanding of the challenges that lay in our path and the strategies to overcome them. This knowledge, coupled with our unwavering resolve, gives us immense confidence as we gear up for future missions.”
