UAE-based Masdar Institute (MI) has inaugurated a new laboratory to facilitate the construction, testing and launching of the miniature CubeSat satellite.
The new Yahsat Space Laboratory will also help MI students and faculties to advance the research and development of future space technologies, as well as enable the UAE Space Agency to collaborate with the institute and other partners on various projects that aid the advancement of the local space sector.
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The laboratory was established under a collaboration agreement between MI, Al Yahsat Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), and Orbital ATK.
It took two years for the involved partners to complete the necessary works for the Yahsat Space Laboratory.
MI interim provost Dr Behjat Al Yousuf said: “The inauguration of the Yahsat Space Laboratory is a momentous occasion not only for our university, but also for the UAE’s space ambitions.
“The country has a goal of sending an unmanned space probe to Mars by 2021, which will require the development of a new generation of engineers and innovators.
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By GlobalData“I am confident the new Yahsat Space Lab, in conjunction with university’s space concentration, will play a significant role in training the experts needed for this ambitious objective.”
MI’s mechanical and materials engineering assistant professor Dr Saif Almheirin will lead Yahsat Space Laboratory, along with chemical and environmental engineering assistant professor Dr Prashanth Marpu.
Both professors will lead the development of CubeSats designed collaboratively by MI, Yahsat and Orbital ATK.
Each satellite will be equipped with different payloads such as cameras, sensors and scientific equipment.
Development of the programme’s first satellite, MYSAT-1, has already started at MI.
Image: Inauguration of Yahsat Space Laboratory at Masdar Institute, UAE. Photo: courtesy of Masdar Institute.
