Post by : Badri Ariffin

Dubai, UAE – The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) is poised to celebrate a pivotal moment in global space partnerships with the upcoming launch of PHI-1, the inaugural modular satellite from the UAE, developed through the Payload Hosting Initiative (PHI). Combining payloads from Bahrain, Nepal, and Sharjah, the satellite is tailored for takeoff on 19 November 2025, utilizing a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

PHI-1, which is entirely designed and built in Dubai, exemplifies the UAE’s initiative to broaden access to space. It offers international collaborators a chance to trial innovative technologies and engage in substantive research, thereby nurturing scientific development and innovation. The mission aims to enhance global inclusivity in space exploration, allowing nations and institutions to test their concepts beyond Earth.

This satellite operates on a 12U CubeSat platform, weighing up to 20 kilograms, with an anticipated operational life of one year. Its modular framework supports various technology demonstrations, including secure communications and environmental monitoring in space. The AMAN payload from Bahrain will evaluate Advanced Encryption Standard protocols, alongside Nepal’s LoRa Satellite System which will investigate long-range communications in orbit, granting practical learning experiences to budding engineers.

On a local level, MBRSC contributes a New-Space Video Camera dedicated to Earth observation and technology validation, while the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences & Technology (SAAST) offers a student-designed PCB payload for temperature and orientation measurement in orbit. This fusion of international and local payloads exemplifies the mission’s collaborative spirit and commitment to empowering global talent.

Constructed and integrated in MBRSC facilities in Dubai, PHI-1 signifies a fully indigenous endeavor in design, construction, and testing. Following its arrival in Low Earth Orbit at 500 kilometers, the satellite will relay data to MBRSC’s Ground Station and Mission Control Centre, contributing to ongoing research, education, and tech development for all involved parties.

PHI-1 underscores the UAE’s expanding influence in cultivating a more inclusive space ecosystem, driving innovation-led economies, and boosting human capacity in the realms of science and technology. With this landmark mission, the country fortifies its pledge to sustainable progress, fostering international collaborations, and opening doors for the next generation of engineers and researchers around the globe.

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