UAE-made MBZ-SAT to blast off to space in January 2025 with tiny student-built satellite

The UAE's most advanced Earth-imaging satellite, MBZ-SAT, is all set for launch in January 2025 — but it won't be on its own. Accompanying the groundbreaking orbiter will be a compact but mighty CubeSat called HCT-SAT 1.

HCT-SAT 1, a tiny marvel measuring just 10cm on all sides, was built by students from the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) under the mentorship of engineers at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).

Both satellites are heading to space aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, lifting off from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, US.

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MBZ-SAT, named in honour of President Sheikh Mohamed, is set to transform Earth observation with unmatched imaging capabilities, while the student-built CubeSat project showcases the UAE’s commitment to nurturing its next generation of space explorers.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Salem Humaid Al Marri, director-general of the MBRSC, said: “It is a proud moment for us that we are launching two satellites on board here, but two very different satellites. One which is a very large satellite built over years of experience, and another one which is going back to the core, trying to train students and building their capabilities. Through the HCT-SAT programme, we were able to reach pretty much every emirate in the UAE and about 50 students. So that's something that we are very proud of, and we see that as a real part of the overall cycle of getting graduates to come and then participate in the space industry and come back.”

A student project

HCT students from various academic disciplines worked with the laboratories of the MBRSC to develop HCT-SAT 1. This partnership saw the centre's experienced engineers guide students through every key stage of the satellite's lifecycle, from design and development to assembly, testing, and operational management.

The collaboration between the MBRSC and the HCT extended beyond the satellite's payload launch. It empowered both students and faculty members with specialised training and provided extensive support for the immersive CubeSat curriculum.

The endeavour marked a significant step forward in integrating space technology within the educational sector, bolstering the UAE’s position in space exploration, experts said.

Amer AlSayegh AlGhaferi, project manager of MBZ-SAT, said: “More than 50 students got involved in the design and the development and testing and beyond the launch. HCT will take full control of the operation of this mission. We are in contact with them to support any operation in terms of communication, data management, and also operation of the satellite. On board are two payloads that will be used by the students. This is a great experience of ‘being on the job, hands-on-training’ for students to get the experience and exposure to space technologies and get ready for a career in the space sector.”

From UAE to South Korea and then US

After the MBZ-SAT was fully assembled in the UAE, it underwent rigorous scientific testing before it was carefully placed in a specialised container equipped with a monitoring system to ensure its safety during transportation.

“The satellite was then shipped to South Korea for environmental testing, carried out in collaboration with the logistical team at the MBRSC," AlGhaferi added. "Following the successful completion of the mission in South Korea, the satellite was transported to SpaceX in the US for the final testing phase in preparation for its launch.”

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