Watch: UAE students begin work on Earth-observation satellite set for year-end launch

Watch: UAE students begin work on Earth-observation satellite set for year-end launch

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), in collaboration with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), on Monday announced officially commencing work on the HCT-SAT 1 project, the institution’s inaugural student-led space mission.

The Earth-observation CubeSat project, with a unit size of 1U (10cm x 10cm x 10cm) is being developed by HCT students under the guidance of MBRSC engineers.

The HCT students, from a range of academic disciplines, are currently working within the laboratories of the MBRSC, initiating the development of HCT-SAT 1. This collaboration involves the Centre’s engineers providing knowledge transfer and mentorship to the students across all critical phases of the satellite’s lifecycle, including design, development, assembly, testing, and operational management.

The partnership between MBRSC and HCT encompasses not only the launch of the payload, but also an extensive educational experience, providing both students and faculty members with expert training, and delivering support in the CubeSat curriculum.

Interdisciplinary team

It will see 34 male and female HCT students across various engineering disciplines, including aviation sciences, airframe design, and electrical engineering, together with Applied Media students undertaking marketing aspects, work as a cohesive interdisciplinary team.

MBRSC also released videos showing the students’ work at its labs.

Ahmed Fahed