SpaceX launches UAE's PHI-1 satellite

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched the UAE's PHI-1 satellite from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marking a major step forward in the UAE’s efforts to broaden participation in space science, research and technology.

The satellite lifted off at 10.44 PM (UAE time) on Friday, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced.

The PHI-1 is the first modular satellite platform developed under the Payload Hosting Initiative (PHI) in partnership with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and its global initiative, Access to Space for All.

PHI-1 represents the UAE’s mission to democratise access to space by enabling nations and entities to test their technologies in orbit.

As the first satellite developed under the PHI programme, it carried payloads from Bahrain Space Agency, Antarikchya Pratisthan Nepal, MBRSC and Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology (SAAST).

"PHI-1 aims to further build an inclusive and collaborative space community that shares knowledge openly and works together to advance humanity," highlighted Amer AlSayegh AlGhaferi, Assistant Director General of the Aerospace Engineering Sector, MBRSC.

Aarti Holla-Maini, Director, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, said, “PHI-1 shows how inclusive partnerships open space to more nations, reducing cost and risk, building skills and flight heritage, and accelerating innovation that serves people on Earth. We are proud to partner with MBRSC, and we need projects like this to turn ambition into lasting capability."

PHI-1 was designed, assembled and the payloads were fully integrated at MBRSC’s facilities in Dubai. Partner teams worked closely with the Centre’s engineers through each stage of development, from concept design and engineering reviews to testing and flight preparation. MBRSC provided full mission assurance, ensuring that every subsystem and payload met the required standards for successful in-orbit operation.

The data from the satellite, which will be received at MBRSC’s Mission Control Centre will be analysed and shared with participating organisations, enabling them to advance their research, refine their technologies and build new scientific capabilities.