Dubai: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) today announced the successful launch of PHI-1, 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. 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.
According to Emirates News Agency, PHI-1 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 AlGhaferi, Assistant Director General of the Aerospace Engineering Sector, MBRSC, stated that the successful launch of PHI-1 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. This mission highlights the value of combining international cooperation with locally developed engineering capabilities at MBRSC.
With UNOOSA's support, pathways are being created for researchers and engineers to participate in space missions that advance learning and create long-term scientific benefits. PHI-1 aims to further build an inclusive and collaborative space community that shares knowledge openly and works together to advance humanity.
Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, commented that PHI-1 shows how inclusive partnerships open space to more nations, reducing cost and risk, building skills and flight heritage, and accelerating innovation that serves people on Earth. The partnership with MBRSC is vital for turning ambition into lasting capability.
PHI-1, a 12U CubeSat, is designed to support a range of technology demonstrations that enhance the development of small satellite systems. With an expected operational lifespan of one year, the spacecraft will enable partner entities to conduct in-orbit testing that strengthens their capabilities in satellite engineering, data analysis, and real-time mission operations.
The mission's collaborative nature is reflected in its payload suite. Bahrain Space Agency's AMAN payload tests Advanced Encryption Standard protocols to enhance satellite communication security, while Antarikchya Pratisthan Nepal has delivered a LoRa Satellite System that explores how LoRa communication technology performs in orbit. MBRSC's New-Space Video Camera will capture high-definition images and videos, and SAAST's payload aims to measure temperature and orientation in space using a student-designed printed circuit board.
PHI-1 was designed, assembled, and its payloads fully integrated at MBRSC's facilities in Dubai. Partner teams worked closely with the Centre's engineers through each development stage, ensuring that every subsystem and payload met the required standards for successful in-orbit operation.
The satellite's data will be received at MBRSC's Mission Control Centre, analysed, and shared with participating organisations, enabling them to advance their research, refine their technologies, and build new scientific capabilities.
PHI-1 contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by supporting Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. The mission demonstrates how international cooperation, backed by national engineering capability, can create meaningful opportunities that support the global advancement of science and technology.
With PHI-1's successful launch, the UAE continues to reinforce its role as a partner that opens doors to space, strengthens global collaboration, and empowers the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.