The United Arab Emirates has launched its first environmental nanosatellite MeznSat, which was developed by students at Khalifa University (KU) and the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK). MeznSat was carried by a Soyuz-2 rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia. The satellite is scheduled to reach orbit in November, a month after its launch.

The satellite developed by 30 students across both universities will measure and detect the most prevalent greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane. The growing release of these gases into the atmosphere causes a rise in temperature on earth.

A team of students will monitor, process and analyse the data the satellite will be sending to the primary ground station at KU’s Yahsat Space Laboratory and the secondary ground station in AURAK.

The students worked on the satellite for three years, including the design, development, testing and verification of MeznSat. Two months ago, they successfully completed several environmental tests that include the final fit checks, the thermal vacuum test, and the vibration test signalling the satellite’s readiness for launch.

The satellite has two payloads on board; a shortwave infrared spectrometer covering wavelengths ranging from 1,000-1,650 nanometres and an RBG digital camera that can take coloured images of Earth. A nanosatellite, MeznSat weighs around 2.7kg, and measures 10cm x 10cm x 30cm.  

HE Dr Eng Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of UAE Space Agency (UAESA), stressed that MeznSat’s imminent take-off on schedule testified to the ability of UAE’s youth as well as the potential of students majoring in STEM subjects to translate the UAE’s space exploration ambitions into. “These projects seek to develop national capabilities and enhance scientific research in universities, bringing up a new generation of Emirati engineers ready to join in the space sector,” he added.  

“We are delighted to see our students’ successful contribution to the new MeznSat nanosatellite, a collaboration with the UAE Space Agency. We plan to develop three more nanosatellites in the future,” said Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President, Khalifa University of Science and Technology.

“The launch of the MeznSat satellite on September 28, 2020 is a milestone for AURAK… This is a powerful example of how students could go beyond theoretical learning and prepare themselves for their future careers,” said Professor Hassan AlAlkim, President of the American University at Ras Al Khaimah.