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16 February 2017, 09:50

UAE's first nanosatellite, Nayif-1, is successfully launched into space

DUBAI, 16 February (BelTA - WAM) - The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and the American University of Sharjah (AUS) have announced the successful launch of Nayif-1, the UAE's first nanosatellite launched into outer space. The launch occurred at 7.58 in the morning (UAE local time). Nayif-1 takes on added importance as an educational project launched by MBRSC in cooperation with AUS with the goal of providing hands-on experience to Emirati engineering students on designing, building, testing and operating nanosatellites.

The nanosatellite was launched on-board a PSLV-C37 rocket, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India. On-board its rocket, this launch held around 104 satellites, making it historically the highest number of satellites to be launched together. Nayif-1 was the 5th satellite separated from the launch vehicle after the main payload.

The ground station, located at the AUS, received the first signal from Nayif-1 18 minutes and 32 seconds after it reached its orbit. A team of engineers from MBRSC, the students who participated in the project, as well as MBRSC's knowledge transfer partners, Innovative Solutions in Space, were present at the ground station during launch and early operations. Nayif-1 will be operated and controlled from the ground station at AUS moving forward.

Director General of MBRSC Yousuf Al Shaibani stressed: "The successful launch of the nanosatellite, Nayif-1, is a significant stride in our journey towards the sustainable development of the UAE space sector. The university students who participated in all phases of the space project are a living example of the success of our strategies towards building a knowledge and innovation-based economy, as well as making preparations for the post-oil era."

Al Shaibani also stressed that the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammad on supporting the Emirati youth through various space-related activities will definitely help the UAE achieve a competitive advantage and a leading position worldwide.

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