UAE satellite launches from Russian cosmodrome

The UAE satellite, known as PHI-Demo, developed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in partnership with the Emirati private space sector, has successfully launched into space.

The satellite lifted off aboard the Soyuz 2 rocket at 3.34 pm (UAE time), June 27, from Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia.

The first mission of the Payload Hosting Initiative (PHI) carries two innovative technologies to be tested for the first time in space.

The first is a communication system for the Internet of Things (IOT) that collects data from devices and sensors located on Earth. The satellite then stores and sends the data to the Mission Control Centre at MBRSC.

The second is a clean, safe and environmentally friendly propulsion system.

First highlights of the launch of the Soyuz-2 rocket, carrying the PHI-Demo satellite from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia. The PHI-Demo’s payload includes two technologies that will be tested in space for the first time.#PHIDemo pic.twitter.com/1Sg2qtk7Wo

— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) June 27, 2023

What are the technologies carried aboard the PHI-Demo satellite, to be tested for the first time in space? The satellite will launch at 3:34 PM (UAE time), while the live coverage will start at 2:45 PM: https://t.co/OZCAe55LXS pic.twitter.com/8FV53N1pxl

— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) June 27, 2023