Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi witnesses the launch of the “SharjahSat 2” satellite

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, this evening, at the headquarters of the Sharjah Space and Astronomy Complex of the University of Sharjah, witnessed, through a live broadcast, the launch of the cube satellite “SharjahSat 2” aboard the “Falcon 9” rocket of SpaceX at Vandburgh Air Force Base in the state of California, USA.

His Highness congratulated His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, “may God protect him”, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and the people of the UAE on the successful launch of the cube satellite “SharjahSat 2”, stressing that “SharjahSat 2” represents a new station in the emirate’s journey towards consolidating its position in the fields of space science and advanced technology, indicating that this achievement reflects the ambitious vision of His Excellency. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, in supporting scientific research and empowering young national talents to effectively contribute to creating the future.

His Highness, the President of the University of Sharjah, explained that “SharjahSat 2” is the second project in the series of cube satellites that the Sharjah Space and Astronomy Complex is developing with the help of Emirati engineers, which confirms the continuity of the scientific and technical approach adopted by the emirate, and enhances the capabilities of students and researchers in the fields of designing and operating satellites, which contributes to preparing an empowered generation that possesses the tools of innovation and knowledge to keep pace with global developments in the space sector.

His Highness indicated that this success is the result of integrated efforts between academic and research institutions in the country, and embodies the commitment of the United Arab Emirates to strengthen its presence in the space sector at the regional and international levels, stressing that the next stage will include more qualitative projects that support the process of sustainable development, and open broader horizons for young people to participate in achieving national achievements.

For his part, Dr. Hamid Majoul Al Nuaimi, Director of the Sharjah Space and Astronomy Complex, confirmed that the “SharjahSat 2” satellite comes as an extension of the series of satellites that the complex is developing within an integrated scientific program, which aims to enable students and researchers to have a comprehensive practical experience in designing, developing, operating and analyzing satellites, thus contributing to employing the outputs of this program to serve vital institutions in the Emirate of Sharjah, and enhancing the role of national competencies in the space sector.

Al Nuaimi explained that this project embodies the result of years of continuous scientific and engineering work, which was completed by a team of researchers and engineers at the complex in cooperation with a number of government agencies in the emirate, in a model that reflects the spirit of integration between scientific institutions and supporting agencies. He pointed out that the satellite will provide high-value data and satellite images that can be used in multiple fields, including environmental studies, urban planning, and monitoring changes on the Earth’s surface, in addition to supporting scientific research in space sciences.

Engineer Amal Al Hammadi gave an explanation about the features of the cube satellite “SharjahSat 2” and its advanced technical specifications, highlighting its journey into space, as it launches into low Earth orbit at an altitude estimated at about 500 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, which allows it to carry out its tasks with high efficiency, thus contributing to supporting the fields of scientific research, Earth observation, and the development of modern space technologies.

Al Hammadi explained that after the success of the launch, there will be an experimental phase for the satellite, which will take approximately 3 months, during which the satellite will be tested and the efficiency of its systems will be verified. This will be followed by the actual operation phase, which will enable those in charge of it to take periodic images of the Emirate of Sharjah and the United Arab Emirates and work on analyzing them.

His Highness, the President of the University of Sharjah, accompanied by members of the University’s Board of Trustees, directors of institutions and senior officials, and those attending the ceremony, followed the launch of the “Falcon 9” rocket that carried the cube satellite “SharjahSat 2”. His Highness listened to an explanation about the stages of sending the satellite, starting from the launch of the rocket from its base, until the rocket separates and the satellite enters its orbit.

After the successful launch of the cube satellite “SharjahSat 2”, His Highness kindly signed a plate simulating the satellite plates in the complex. His Highness also shook hands with the work team of the complex’s Emirati engineers who contributed to the achievement, congratulating them on the success of the project on which they worked and worked diligently, directing his thanks and appreciation to the government agencies supporting the project: Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority, Department of Planning and Survey, Sharjah City Municipality, wishing them to them. Good luck and success in future projects.

The Sharjah Sat 2 composite satellite aims to provide high-resolution images and spectral data, and provide participating parties with the necessary data to enhance their research and practical activities through the accurate information it will provide, support their future strategic plans, and enhance strategic planning for future projects in the Emirate of Sharjah. The estimated lifespan of the cube satellite is 3 years.

The “SharjahSat 2” cube satellite project consists of five operating subsystems, according to the structure adopted in cube satellites, which includes the power system responsible for operating the satellite through solar panels and batteries to store energy, the communications system that allows communication with the satellite and receiving data from it, in addition to the control and direction finding system to ensure the stability of the satellite and its precise orientation, and the data processing system that manages and analyzes information, in addition to the external structure that provides protection and support for the rest of the systems.

As for the basic payload, it is represented by an advanced camera with hyperspectral imaging technology with a resolution of up to 5 metres. The project focuses on providing partners with scientific data and high-quality images that can be used in several fields, most notably urban planning, monitoring growth and changes in cities, and studying the environment by monitoring land degradation, desertification, and changes resulting from human activity, as well as supporting risk management efforts through continuous monitoring of relevant changes.