Abu Dhabi: Masdar Institute of Science and Technology on Monday announced that it has completed its critical design review (CDR) for its CubeSat development programme, MYSAT-1, as the institute continues its progress with its space programme.

MYSAT-1, represents a major technological feat for Masdar Institute, when complete, it will be the university’s first research satellite to be built by students and faculty. The satellite, which will measure 10cm on each side, will include a camera to observe Earth, and an experimental battery developed by the institute.

“The hard work and determination of our faculty, students and collaborators from Yahsat and Orbital ATK has been demonstrated with the completion of the CDR. We are confident that we will continue to meet the remaining programme deadlines and look forward to launching MYSAT-1 into space next year,” said Dr Behjat Al Yousuf, Interim Provost at Masdar Institute.

“We are pleased that Masdar Institute’s research and development efforts have supported Khalifa University’s ongoing partnership with the UAE’s space sector. Through the space systems and technology concentration, Khalifa University is fostering future generations of Emirati engineers equipped with the skills and real-world experiences needed to develop the kind of breakthrough technologies required to ensure the UAE achieves its space exploration goals,” she added.

Dr Saif Al Muhairi from the University’s Mechanical Engineering Department, said the completion of the CDR was a major milestone, and that the experience gained from the MYSAT-1 project would help with future and more ambitious projects.

“With the CDR cleared, we reached a major milestone for our first project and the efforts of the students are commendable. The students have developed some excellent documentation, which clearly demonstrates their competence.

“The experience of MYSAT-1 is greatly helping us define a baseline for our future projects. We have now created the right infrastructure to develop small satellite missions at the Masdar Institute,” he added.

Mona Al Muhairi, chief human capital officer at Yahsat, said the building of MYSAT-1 was important for developing local capacity and expertise to take the UAE’s space programme forward.

“We are very proud of our engineers as they get us closer to launching the MYSAT-1 Satellite. With every step we make through the CubeSat Programme we demonstrate our commitment to the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030.

Yahsat is delighted to be part of this extraordinary journey by developing local talent and providing innovative satellite communications solutions whilst creating

jobs across the region. We look forward to the next steps of the programme and the launch of MYSAT-1 next year,” she added.