MBRSC announces successful launch of PHI-1 satellite

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) on Saturday announced the successful launch of PHI-I, 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.

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The satellite lifted off at 10.44 pm (UAE time) on Friday aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, marking a major step forward in the UAE's efforts to broaden participation in space science, research and technology.

PHI-I 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). The mission strengthens the UAE's international partnerships and reflects national efforts to support a more inclusive and globally connected space ecosystem.

Amer AlSayegh Al Ghaferi, Assistant Director General of the Aerospace Engineering Sector, MBRSC, said, “The successful launch of PHI-I embodies the UAE's vision of empowering nations, organisations and educational institutions by giving them opportunities to gain hands-on experience in testing their technology innovations in space.”