The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre celebrates the successful launch of the “Fay-1” satellite, marking a significant achievement within the initiative to host satellite payloads in partnership with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. This launch is part of the “Access to Space for All” initiative and reflects the UAE’s commitment to expanding participation in space sciences, enhancing its role as a leading force in the field.
Launch of the “Fay-1” Satellite
The “Fay-1” satellite was launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, on Friday at 10:44 PM UAE time. This step represents a qualitative advancement in the UAE’s efforts to enhance the role of countries and institutions in space and scientific research.
The UAE’s Vision in Space
The “Fay-1” satellite embodies the UAE’s vision to enhance access to space by enabling various countries and institutions to test their technologies in orbit. This satellite carries innovative payloads from agencies such as the Bahrain Space Agency and the Nepali company Antarikshya Pratisthan, alongside the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, thereby strengthening international cooperation and supporting shared scientific environments.
Reaffirming Commitment to International Collaboration
Amir Al Sayigh Al Ghafri, the Assistant Director-General for Space Engineering at the Centre, stated: “The successful launch of the Fay-1 satellite represents the embodiment of the UAE’s vision to create equal opportunities for all.” He emphasized that the satellite was developed entirely in the UAE, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, reflecting the national commitment to enhancing cooperation and building the capacities necessary for the next generation of engineers and researchers.
Benefits of the Satellite for the Scientific Community
The “Fay-1” is a standard CubeSat 12U satellite, weighing approximately 20 kilograms, with an expected operational lifespan of about one year. It is designed to enable international partners to test and evaluate new technologies in low Earth orbit. Through this mission, the Centre promotes a conducive environment for research, education, and innovation, contributing to the development of capabilities in satellite engineering and data processing.
Towards Sustainable Development
The “Fay-1” mission contributes to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by building human capacities in the fields of space engineering and scientific research. This supports quality education, drives innovation, and creates exceptional job opportunities, in addition to developing advanced and sustainable industrial frameworks that serve the space sector.
With the successful launch of the “Fay-1” satellite, the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre reaffirms the growing role of the UAE in building a global space ecosystem based on collaboration, enhancing the benefits of space for humanity.