Dr. Abderrahim Nabi is currently a researcher in the aerospace department at Khalifa University, where he leads key research and development projects in space systems, including CubeSats and interplanetary satellites. With a decade of engineering and research experience in the space industry, Abderrahim Nabi began his aerospace journey at Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) in the UK in 2014. There, he contributed to the design, development and testing of a comprehensive range of Attitude Determination Control System equipment (ADCS), propulsion controller, GNSS, radiation monitor, and On-Board Computer (OBC).
Dr. Nabi has an extensive expertise in automated test equipment, data acquisition systems, real-time autonomous system, embedded software development and also medical engineering, making significant contributions to the establishment of space systems labs at Algeria Space Agency and advancing aerospace initiatives. Alongside, he earned a Ph.D. in Electronics, where he specialized in developing star identification algorithms for low-cost star trackers.
Dr. Nabi is currently leading the development of core in-house technologies, including propulsion control system, reaction wheel, star tracker, sun sensor, on-board computer, electrical power system, radiation monitor, and testing and simulation solutions. At the same time, he is building a local hands-on capability at KU Space Lab and within the UAE for designing, manufacturing, and testing electronics for space subsystems. These efforts are opening new opportunities for research and innovation in satellite technology development at Khalifa University, with potential applications extending to autonomous systems such as robotics and drones.
6U CubeSat Project:
The main goal of this project is to develop a 6U CubeSat platform for space technology demonstration missions in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This CubeSat is designed to highlight the performance and capabilities of in-house developed space technologies, enabling further research from orbital data on Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS), propulsion, and radiation. This mission aims aims to mark a significant milestone by building flight heritage for Khalifa University's in-house space subsystems.
EMA Lander:
The Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) is an ambitious initiative led by the UAE to explore the main asteroid belt, with a focus on conducting an in-depth study of the asteroid Justitia using a Lander. This mission provides a platform for developing key technologies essential for deep-space navigation, such as advanced Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS). Additionally, EMA aims to strengthen the UAE's space industry by fostering local collaboration and driving innovation.
