UNIS/OS/601
16 October 2024

Moldova and UAE set to launch space technology payloads through UNOOSA and MBRSC partnership

VIENNA, 16 October (UN Information Service) — The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) have announced the winners of the second round of the Payload Hosting Initiative (PHI). Two innovative space projects, from the Technical University of Moldova (TUM) and Madari Space Limited of the UAE, have been selected to join the PHI-2 mission.

The PHI programme, part of UNOOSA’s Access to Space for All Initiative, gives teams from around the world a chance to send scientific equipment, known as payloads, into space using satellites developed by MBRSC. The initiative helps build space science and technology capacity, especially in developing countries, and encourages innovation in space exploration.

The team from the Technical University of Moldova will test two important space technologies, developed by its National Centre for Space Technologies. First, they will evaluate the feasibility of using a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) GNSS receiver module to accurately determine satellite positioning in orbit. Second, they will examine how nanosensors hold up under harsh space radiation. If successful, this could improve satellite positioning and the use of nanosensors in future space missions. This is TUM’s second time being awarded under UNOOSA’s Access to Space for All Initiative, following their CubeSat project, “TUMnanoSAT,” which was deployed in 2022.

Madari Space Limited, a UAE start-up, will focus on revolutionizing space data management. Their payload will test advanced data storage, processing, and edge computing technologies in space, along with systems to detect space debris. By integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), this project aims to improve space exploration and help monitor the growing issue of debris in space. This is the first time a private company has been selected for the Access to Space for All Initiative, a milestone for start-ups in the space sector.

UNOOSA Director Aarti Holla-Maini said: “In line with the mission and objectives of UNOOSA’s Access to Space for All Initiative, the PHI cooperation programme, implemented with MBRSC, demonstrates our commitment to extending capacity-building activities in space science and technology for developing countries. Following the selection of two awardees from Bahrain and Nepal in 2022 during the first round of the PHI programme, we are now pleased to announce and congratulate our second-round awardees from Moldova and UAE. I look forward to seeing the selected payloads develop, not only for the benefit of STEM education and opportunities in the countries they represent, but also to highlight the valuable opportunities provided by our collaboration with MBRSC on this Payload Hosting Initiative.”

Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, said: “The PHI-2 mission marks a significant advancement in our collaboration with UNOOSA, reinforcing our shared goal of providing global access to space for entities committed to advancing innovation. The inclusion of entities from Moldova and the UAE is a testament to our commitment to nurturing breakthrough space technologies and expanding the frontiers of space science. At MBRSC, we believe that by fostering such international partnerships, we not only accelerate technological progress but also pave the way for a more sustainable and collaborative future, both in space and on Earth. Together, we are enabling nations to take part in this global journey of discovery and innovation.”

Viorel Bostan, Rector of the Technical University of Moldova, said: “We are extremely honoured to be selected on board the PHI-2 mission. This represents a historic achievement for both our university and the Republic of Moldova as we prepare to launch our payload into space. The project will significantly enhance our expertise in space technology and serve as a catalyst for inspiring and engaging the next generation in satellite technologies. Moreover, it will contribute to Moldova’s integration into the global space community. This opportunity empowers us to further advance our space research capabilities, engage young talent in satellite technologies, and foster ongoing innovation and research in this critical field.”

Shareef Al Romaithi, CEO of Madari Space Limited, said: “We are deeply honoured to have been selected for the payload hosting initiative. This achievement is a testament to the relentless hard work, dedication, and passion of our entire team. Our efforts are driven by a unified vision to revolutionize data management in space, while positioning the UAE as a global leader in space technologies. Being chosen for this initiative not only acknowledges our collective efforts, but also underscores the tremendous potential of the UAE as a thriving hub for space research and innovation. We are incredibly grateful to MBRSC and UNOOSA for this prestigious opportunity. We are excited to continue our journey of innovation, as we work towards groundbreaking advancements in data storage and edge computing that will shape the future of commercial operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.”

For more information, please see: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/access2space4all/PHI/PHI_Index.html

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For more information, please contact:

Access to Space for All Initiative Team
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
Email: unoosa-access-to-space[at]un.org