For information only – not an official document
UNIS/OS/564
25 January 2022
VIENNA, 25 January (UN Information Service) — The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) of the United Arab Emirates are announcing a payload hosting opportunity for United Nations Member States. The new opportunity is part of the Access to Space for All initiative and falls under the Satellite Development Track. It is especially geared towards entities of developing nations.
The two parties are providing a 5U slot in the Payload Hosting Initiative -1 (PHI-1) mission - to date the biggest payload size offered under Access to Space for All. Depending on the size and configuration of the proposals, more than one payload can be selected. The PHI is a cost-effective and modular satellite platform that can host multi-purpose payloads simplifying development as many of the satellite systems are already integrated.
The opportunity will contribute to the social and economic development in the selected entity’s home country and to the advancement of human knowledge and capacity in the fields of space science and technology. The approach is fully in line with UNOOSA’s mission to bring the benefits of space to humankind, and MBRSC's demonstrated commitment to promoting space science and technology.
UNOOSA Director Simonetta Di Pippo underscored the value of this effort saying: "Expanding the Access to Space for All portfolio is critical for advancing the democratization of space benefits. We are thrilled to engage with MBRSC to provide a new opportunity and make a real difference for our Member States through the Payload Hosting Initiative. Working together, there are no barriers to what we can achieve.”
Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General of MBRSC, said: “The collaboration and innovation that has gone into making the Payload Hosting Initiative a reality today in partnership with UNOOSA will not only advance the use of satellite-related technologies but also presents an opportunity for entities and countries alike to deploy and operate their own satellites in space. The results of these efforts will further place the UAE at the forefront of space innovation and assist in making incredible collaborative advancements in science and technology.”
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
