Dubai, UAE – In a groundbreaking step towards international space cooperation, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) is set to launch the PHI-1 satellite, the UAE's inaugural modular satellite developed via the Payload Hosting Initiative (PHI). Featuring contributions from Bahrain, Nepal, and Sharjah, the satellite is scheduled for lift-off on 19 November 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
Entirely designed and constructed in Dubai, PHI-1 exemplifies the UAE's goal to broaden access to space. The initiative allows global partners to trial new technologies and engage in important research, thereby fostering innovation and collaboration in science. This mission supports international efforts to make space exploration more inclusive, providing nations and institutions with a platform to validate concepts in orbit.
The satellite employs a 12U CubeSat framework, weighs up to 20 kilograms, and is anticipated to function for a year. Its adaptable design enables a variety of technological demonstrations, including secure communications and environmental monitoring in space. Bahrain's AMAN payload will assess Advanced Encryption Standard protocols, while Nepal's LoRa Satellite System will investigate LoRa communications in space, offering practical experience to future engineers.
Locally, MBRSC contributes a New-Space Video Camera for Earth observation and technological validation, while the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences & Technology (SAAST) supports a student-led PCB payload for measuring temperature and orientation in space. This synergy of international and local payloads showcases the mission's collaborative nature and the dedication to nurturing global talent.
Manufactured and integrated at MBRSC’s Dubai facilities, PHI-1 represents a homegrown initiative in design, assembly, and testing. Once it reaches Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of 500 kilometers, the satellite will relay data back to MBRSC's Ground Station and Mission Control Centre, facilitating continued research, education, and technological advancements for all participant entities.
PHI-1 signifies the UAE's expanding influence in establishing a more inclusive space environment, cultivating economies rich in innovation, and enhancing human capabilities in science and technology. Through this initiative, the UAE underlines its commitment to sustainable development, fostering international partnerships, and creating avenues for the next generation of engineers and researchers across the globe.
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