Dubai: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre has confirmed that PHI-1, the first modular satellite platform developed under the Payload Hosting Initiative in partnership with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs through its Access to Space for All initiative, is ready for launch. The mission, carrying payloads from the Bahrain Space Agency, Antarikchya Pratisthan Nepal, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, and the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, is scheduled to lift off on 19th November, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA.
According to Emirates News Agency, designed and assembled in Dubai, PHI-1 marks a significant step in the UAE's efforts to broaden access to space and strengthen global scientific cooperation by giving nations the opportunity to test and validate their technologies in orbit. Amer AlSayegh AlGhaferi, Assistant Director-General of the Aerospace Engineering Sector at the Centre, emphasized the UAE's vision to create opportunities for all and contribute to a sustainable and knowledge-driven future in space exploration.
Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, highlighted the strength of international cooperation as PHI-1 prepares for launch. The satellite, a 12U CubeSat weighing up to 20 kilograms, is expected to operate for one year, conducting technology demonstrations to advance small satellite systems and support research, education, and training in satellite engineering, data processing, and mission operations.
PHI-1 carries several international payloads, including the Bahrain Space Agency's AMAN payload, which will test Advanced Encryption Standard protocols for secure satellite communications. Antarikchya Pratisthan Nepal's LoRa Satellite System will evaluate the performance of LoRa technology in orbit, providing hands-on learning for young engineers. The Centre's New-Space Video Camera will capture high-definition imagery for technology verification, outreach, and Earth observation. Additionally, the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology has contributed a student-developed PCB to measure temperature and orientation in space.
The satellite was fully developed at the Centre's facilities in Dubai, where partner teams participated in all stages of design, testing, and preparation. Once deployed into Low Earth Orbit at approximately 500 kilometres, PHI-1 will transmit data to the Centre's Ground Station and Mission Control Centre for analysis and distribution to participating partners.
The mission underscores the UAE's growing role in fostering a more inclusive and collaborative global space sector, where knowledge and opportunities are widely shared. It also supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.