By Dr. Sean Swei

The UAE and Italian scientific communities have both experienced unprecedented success in space exploration and earth observation in recent years, systematically promoting space technology through incremental research and development and radical innovation.

The second in a series of webinars aiming to strengthen the opportunities for bilateral cooperation between Italy and the United Arab Emirates saw speakers discuss novel ideas and collaboration topics in technology development to support international space missions in different domains. Khalifa University recently launched the KU Space Technology and Innovation Lab (KUSTIL), in June 2020, of which I am the Director.

I joined this webinar to discuss the areas of research KUSTIL is focusing on.

One such area is space robotics, investigated by Prof. Lakmal Seneviratne and Prof. Jorge Dias from the KU Center for Autonomous Robotics Systems (KUCARS). The recent growth in low cost unmanned systems provides opportunities for new and cost-effective unmanned rovers for space exploration and space observations. This allows the continuous monitoring of assets deployed in space and to other planets via autonomous vehicles operating cooperatively to provide flexible and persistent surveillance solutions. Researchers in this area are looking at dealing with communications delays for remotely controlled rovers. Robots in space are a long way from teams on Earth, resulting in a delay in communications between them and so solutions that balance autonomy with long-distance command and control are required to conduct scouting missions on distant planets.

Another area is Next Generation Antenna (NGA) systems, investigated by Dr. Mohammed Abou-Khousa, Dr. Prashanth Marpu, and Dr. Khaled Al-Wahedi at KU. With the advent of small and nano satellites, deep space vehicles, and high speed networks, there is an increasing demand for low-volume and lightweight antennas that can function optimally under harsh space conditions, wherever the mission may take them. In this project, new antenna systems founded on novel design concepts will be developed to address these needs. Specifically, 3D metal printing and machine learning algorithms will be used to realize new optimized antennas.

We are also considering sustainable astronomy in the era of large satellite constellations. Low-orbit broadband satellite constellations are growing dramatically, and due to their relative proximity to Earth, they appear extremely bright, posing a serious threat to observational astronomy. Dr. Elena Fantino is leading a team of researchers to develop an automated system to accurately predict satellite transits across the field of view from Earth and then developed scheduling solutions that mitigate the negative impact on observations. Astronomers foresee a swarm of 40,000 low-Earth orbit satellites in the near future, and unless successful mitigation actions are adopted, the scientific capabilities of current and future observatories will be severely compromised.

Finally, Dr. Yahya Zweiri and Dr. Jorge Dias join me in proposing work on robotic in-space assembly of large space structures. In order to support long-term human presence in the solar system, large flexible space infrastructure needs to provide basic operational and functional needs in space, such as communication antennas, observatories, and solar power stations. Materials made of a large number of physical components but with a small number of distinctive part types can offer highly repetitive patterns in size, dimension, and shape that make them viable solutions for autonomous robotic in-space assembly. Our project will demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of building an ultra-large space infrastructure through collaborative robotic in-space assembly techniques. This research will have significant impact on future human expansion on the Moon, Mars and beyond.

At Khalifa University, we’re proud to showcase our faculty expertise, especially in space exploration and Earth observation.

Innov-Italy UAE aims at improving the opportunities for bilateral cooperation between the UAE and Italy in six high-innovation sectors, including cybersecurity, space, smart cities and sustainable mobility, life sciences, food technologies, and renewable energy.

Dr. Sean Swei is a Professor of Practice in Aerospace Engineering and Director of the KU Space Technology and Innovation Lab at Khalifa University.

The post Technologies for Present and Future Space Exploration Challenges appeared first on Khalifa University.

The mini CubeSat was developed by students from Khalifa University and the American University of Ras Al Khaimah, with support from UAE Space Agency

The MeznSat, a mini satellite developed through a collaboration between Khalifa University, the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), and the UAE Space Agency, has been successfully launched into space aboard a Soyuz-2b rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFrcz5Cp0ij/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

MeznSat is a nanosatellite that weighs around 2.7kg, and measures 10cm x 10cm x 30cm, making it a 3U CubeSat.

A team of KU postgraduate students and AURAK undergraduate students developed the CubeSat. They will monitor, process and analyze the data MeznSat will send to the ground station at KU’s Yahsat laboratory and the supporting ground station at AURAK.

The goal of MeznSat is to provide data on greenhouse gas concentrations, including carbon dioxide and methane, using shortwave infrared spectrometer, in the UAE’s atmosphere. It will also collect data on the red tide phenomenon in the UAE.

The UAS Space Agency confirmed that all preparations for placing the satellite on the launch pad and successfully conducting experiments and final checks regarding the readiness of the satellite were completed in time.

With this launch, MeznSat will join the 10 satellites launched by the UAE to develop national capabilities, enhance scientific research activities, and regulate the activities of the national space sector. The project will also support Emirati young people in developing the skills necessary for the UAE’s ambitious National Space Program and its future projects.

The satellite is scheduled to reach orbit next November, one month after its launch.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFhAekqJVL4/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

The processes and expertise involved in monitoring the atmosphere are similar to those employed during conventional earth observation programs.

Using a visible camera, as well as a shortwave infrared spectrometer, the satellite will measure the abundance and distribution of methane and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

It will also provide valuable insight into the concentration of nutrients in the coastal waters of the Arabian Gulf, which will allow for more accurate predictions of algal blooms and support the timely implementation of relevant precautionary measures.

Erica Solomon
Publication Senior Specialist
29 September 2020

The post UAE’s MeznSat Successfully Launches into Space appeared first on Khalifa University.

Student Developed Nanosatellite UAE’s First-Ever Earth Observation and Technology Demonstration CubeSat

The MYSAT-1 CubeSat, designed and built by students of Khalifa University’s Master’s concentration in Space Systems and Technology in collaboration Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), and American aerospace manufacturer and defense industry company Northrop Grumman, has been successfully launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on board the Cygnus spacecraft.

The satellite was onboard an Antares rocket that was successfully launched from Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, USA, at 4:01am on Saturday, 17 November. Present at the launch were a group of Khalifa University students and faculty who helped build and design the nanosatellite.

Developed at the Yahsat Space Lab at Khalifa University, the nanosatellite (also known as a CubeSat) will be used for educational and research purposes once it makes its final ascent to its orbital position in the beginning of 2019. It carries two payloads, including a camera to take images of the UAE from space, demonstrating the process of remote sensing, as well as an innovative lithium-ion battery developed at Khalifa University, making it the UAE’s first CubeSat with an earth observation mission and technology demonstration mission.

Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, said: “The successful launch of MYSAT-1, developed and built by students of Khalifa University’s Master’s Concentration in Space Systems and Technology, demonstrates that our university possesses the academic and scientific rigor required to transform the UAE’s promising students into tomorrow’s space engineers and scientists. Through our Small Satellite Program and the Master’s concentration, Khalifa University is proud to play a critical role in the UAE’s broader space ambitions. We will continue to develop local talent that will be part of the Emirati space engineers and scientists who will contribute to the UAE’s Hope Mars Mission and the vibrancy of the country’s overall space sector.”

Muna AlMheiri, Chief Human Capital Officer at Yahsat, said: “MYSAT-1’s expedition into space marks an exciting accomplishment by the students of Khalifa University. It is also a testimony to the UAE’s growing talent pool in STEM education. Yahsat is proud to have collaborated with Khalifa University and Northrop Grumman to create the first multi-disciplinary academic space program in the UAE which has resulted in the creation and successful launch of MYSAT-1, we are committed to developing the national talent pool through providing talent with unique opportunities to enhance their capabilities and drive innovation.”

The launch of MYSAT-1 to ISS took place after rigorous testing of the nanosatellite’s engineering model for space environment conditions and integration of the final launch satellite to NanoRacks’ external Cygnus Cubesat deployer. The deployer is an automated cargo resupply spacecraft destined for the International Space Station.

MYSAT-1 is the first CubeSat built at the Yahsat Space Lab at Khalifa University. The laboratory was launched in 2017 at Masdar Institute in collaboration with Yahsat and Orbital ATK – now called Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems – to develop and advance technologies within the space sector in line with the UAE’s space ambitions. It is the first space systems lab in the UAE to be equipped with Assembly Integration and Verification (AIV) facilities that cater to CubeSats of up to 6U in size (12�첵��12��24��36����)��and a mass up to 10 kg. The lab also has a VHF/UHF/S-Band ground station capable of autonomous operations.

The Yahsat Space Lab is one of the key players in the UAE space program initiatives. The Lab is helping to develop a national space sector characterized by high-standards so that UAE achieves competitive ranking in the world in the field of industry, technology and space research. It is also paying a defining role in STEM education as well as providing career advancement opportunities in the satellite industry of the Middle East.

The lab offers students of Khalifa University’s Master’s concentration in Space Systems and Technology the facilities required to construct, test and launch of CubeSats, as part of the university’s Small Satellite Program. The high-tech and specialized facilities serve as a platform for future research in space technologies, allowing entities like the UAE Space Agency to work with the faculty on collaborative projects.

18 November 2018

The post KU’s MYSAT-1 Launched to International Space Station appeared first on Khalifa University.

Agreement Signed at fifth Bahrain International Airshow

The UAE Space Agency has signed a Declaration of Principles with Bahrain’s National Space Science Agency (NSSA) and Khalifa University for the training of the Bahrain Space Team.

The signing took place on the sidelines of the fifth Bahrain International Airshow, held at the Sakhir Air Base in Bahrain on 14-16 November, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain.

The agreement was signed by His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Chairman of the UAE Space Agency and His Excellency Kamal Bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, who is also responsible for supervising Bahrain’s NSSA.

The parties will collaborate in training the Bahrain Space Team in satellite technology, design, construction, testing, launching, operations, and control, in addition to cooperating to build a CubeSat to be used for scientific research and carrying out a number of environmental studies.Students from the Kingdom of Bahrain will study in Khalifa University’s Master’s concentration in space systems and technology, where they will participate in a small satellite development project funded by the UAE Space Agency. The students will also work on their individual thesis topics related to space technology under the direct supervision of various expert faculty at KU.

Speaking about the agreement, Dr. Al Falasi said: “The signing of this declaration is a tangible result of the close relationship between the UAE and Bahrain in the arena of advanced sciences and will see us working together as strategic partners in the region’s nascent but rapidly developing space sector. The ties between our two nations already extend across the political, economic, social, and cultural domains and we have now added the exciting field of space to that inventory. Our growing collaboration in space science and exploration is a testament to our desire and commitment to bolster meaningful partnerships between our two great nations.

“The UAE space sector has reached an advanced stage that now sees it able to transfer knowledge to valued partners in the region. Our growing expertise in the field of space science, research, exploration and telecommunications is exemplified by the number of ambitious space programs and initiatives launched by the UAE. These include the UAE Astronaut Program, the Emirates Mars Mission’s Hope Probe project, Mars Scientific City and last month’s placing in orbit of KhalifaSat — an advanced piece of sophisticated technology that was designed and built entirely by Emirati engineers,” added Dr. Al Falasi.

“We are delighted to have signed this Declaration of Principles between the NSSA, the UAESA, and Khalifa University,” said H.E. Mohammed.

“First of all, I would like to thank the executive management of the UAE Space Agency for their efforts and constructive cooperation which has resulted in the signing of this declaration. This represents a significant step towards fulfilling the goals of the NSSA, in line with our strategic plans. We are looking forward to creating a skilled Bahraini team, familiar with the latest satellite technologies, and continuing to train them to expand their knowledge in this field. Such expertise will ensure the sustainability of NSSA projects and will provide a solid base of skilled technicians in this field.”

Dr. Mohamed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency added: “Cooperation between the UAE Space Agency and the Bahrain’s NSSA dates back several years, at a time when the space sector in both our countries witnessed unprecedented growth, prompted by significant government support. With the signing of this declaration, cooperation between our two countries will expand further. We will work to exchange expertise, experience, and information related to the space sector to realize our mutual objectives and interests.”

The strong UAE participation in the Airshow, alongside Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, is indicative of the long-standing relationships between the neighboring nations. Fourteen UAE companies specializing in aviation, space and defense are taking part in the Bahrain International Airshow.

Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President of Khalifa University, said: “The fact that the NSSA in Bahrain has selected the UAE and Khalifa University to embrace and prepare their students is a testament to the reputation that both the UAE and Khalifa University enjoy in the region and the world. This is due to what has been achieved in terms of space infrastructure and pioneering in government, academia and research. Khalifa University has a record of achievements as a pioneer in the field of space research in the UAE, especially since it offers academic programs such as bachelor’s and graduate programs related to space. We would like to thank both the Emirates Space Agency and the NSSA of Bahrain for having the confidence in us as a strategic partner and we look forward to what the students with come up with in terms of research and innovation that will contribute to the advancement of the space sectors in both the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain.”

18 November 2018

The post UAE Space Agency and Khalifa University to train Bahrain Space Team appeared first on Khalifa University.

Once launched, MYSAT-2 will test student developed algorithms to determine the CubeSat’s orientation in space, estimated to be 15% to 20% more power-efficient

Khalifa University is a step closer to launching its second satellite, MYSAT-2, into space after meeting an important milestone – the Critical Design Review (CDR) on Sunday, 23 June 2019, which wraps up the satellite’s design phase and marks the start of full-scale production in preparation for launch in Q2 2020.

MYSAT-2 is the University’s second research satellite built by faculty and students in KU’s Space Systems and Technology program. Designed as a CubeSat, or a small satellite that measures 20 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm, MYSAT-2 will be built with custom software to stabilize the satellite’s ‘attitude’, or its orientation in space. A satellite’s attitude plays a critical role in determining the direction its cameras are facing.

The research team behind MYSAT-2 – which includes 10 graduate students, four undergraduate students, two faculty and two research engineers, along with engineers from industry partners Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) and Northrop Grumman – is implementing advanced attitude control algorithms to keep the satellite moving evenly through its orbit. The algorithms help determine and control the CubeSat’s orientation in space, and are estimated to be 15 to 20 percent more power-efficient, in comparison with traditional algorithms implemented on other spacecrafts.

MYSAT-1, the first CubeSat developed by Khalifa University at its Yahsat Space Lab that was launched into space on 17 November, 2018, and is expected to stay in orbit until 2021, has provided important learning opportunities to the team working on MYSAT-2.

“The successful completion of critical design review signifies another momentous occasion in the development of MYSAT-2 by our Space Systems and Technology Concentration students at the Yahsat Space Lab, with support from Northrop Grumman and Yahsat. We believe, like its predecessor, MYSAT-2 will represent our contribution to the UAE’s commitment to developing indigenous aerospace scientists, while establishing our students’ contributions to developing energy-efficient algorithms that determine the CubeSat’s orientation in space. This will help Khalifa University develop next generation satellites even more efficiently, and market the software systems to other satellite developers,” commented Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President, Khalifa University.

The CDR review panel included experts from Yahsat, Khalifa University, and Northrop Grumman. The collaborative review panel assessed the programme’s readiness and confirmed that the technical efforts are on track to proceed into fabrication, demonstration, and testing, with performance requirements being met, on budget and on schedule. Full-scale fabrication of MYSAT-2 will now begin with several intermediate internal reviews, including a software demonstration, and the flight readiness review.

“MYSAT-2’s critical design review is a milestone for Yahsat Space Lab and the CubeSat programme. Working alongside Khalifa University and Northrop Grumman to support the programme, Yahsat aims to equip the rising generation with the skills they need to advance the UAE’s space agenda. Our focus now turns to the next stages of the programme and the launch of MYSAT-2, which promises to be another leap forward for the UAE’s space ambitions,” said Mona Al Muhairi, Chief Human Capital Officer at Yahsat.

“MYSAT-2, the second satellite from our joint collaboration with Khalifa University and Yahsat, promises to open up new research avenues in spacecraft attitude control,” said Frank DeMauro, Vice President and General Manager, Space Systems, Northrop Grumman. “We congratulate the Khalifa University students in reaching the important milestone of the Critical Design Review and look forward to working with them as they prepare the satellite for a launch on the Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft in 2020.”

MYSAT-1 was built with two payloads, including a camera for Earth observation and an experimental lithium-ion coin cell battery developed by KU researchers. Primarily, the satellite served as an educational project for KU students. A number of pictures were taken using the onboard camera, and researchers are currently analyzing the data gathered on the battery’s performance. So far, the data has shown that the battery performed well in space.

“In MYSAT-1, we observed some issues in the software implementation that we missed during ground testing and are hoping to address them in MYSAT-2,” said Dr. Prashanth Marpu, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Manager of YahSat Space Lab. “We are improving Fault detection, isolation, and recovery algorithms and are adding the capabilities to perform autonomous operations in the absence of communication from the ground station.”

Khalifa University is also supporting the development of a third CubeSat, called MeznSat, at its Yahsat Space Lab. The collaborative satellite project is being developed in partnership between the UAE Space Agency, Khalifa University and the American University of Ras Al Khaimah. MeznSat is a 3U CubeSat that will monitor and study the Earth’s atmosphere to monitor greenhouse gas emissions above the UAE region. MeznSat is scheduled to be launched in Q1 2020.

Khalifa University and UAE Space Agency have also partnered to develop the UAE Mini Satellite Challenge, which aims to provide students interested in the fields of engineering, material sciences, and physical sciences, the opportunity to develop technology and experiments for the space environment. In the first edition of the competition, 21 teams participated with over 150 students involved. The payload proposed by New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) to detect terrestrial gamma ray flashes won the first prize. NYUAD and KU teams are now working together to realize the mission by developing the payload and the bus. The satellite is expected to be launched in Q2 2020.

“CubeSat programs like these provide hands on training for students and a unique opportunity to develop our own space components and gain flight heritage for our technologies,” Dr. Marpu shared. In the case of MYSAT-2, the team aims to get flight heritage for its attitude control software. Gaining flight heritage will help Khalifa University be able to develop next generation satellites even more efficiently, and provide the software to other satellite developers.

Through its space systems and technology concentration and dedicated space lab, Khalifa University is providing project-based learning for its students, enhancing human capital in the field of space and 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.

Erica Solomon
Senior Editor
26 June 2019

The post MYSAT-2 Progresses to Next Stage of Development appeared first on Khalifa University.

Photo Credit: NASA

Honorary Doctorate Awarded to Astronaut Hazza Al-Mansoori in Recognition of His Historic Achievement and Highlights its Role in Supporting the UAE’s Space Sector

Khalifa University of Science and Technology today awarded its first-ever honorary doctorate since its inception, to Hazza Al Mansoori, the first Arab astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) and the first Emirati astronaut.

His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and Chairman of Khalifa University Board of Trustees, said that the honorary doctorate to Hazza Al Mansouri is an expression of the pride of the UAE, represented by the country’s leadership, institutions, people and sectors, and more especially the higher education sector.

His Highness added that Hazza Al Mansoori’s journey to space was inspirational to the university students as it acts as a motivation to the UAE students to fulfill their ambitions, no matter what the difficulties are. As a leading university in the field of aerospace research, honoring UAE astronaut Hazza Al Mansoori by awarding the first honorary doctorate is part of the university’s mission to encourage the UAE youth to take up science for higher studies and professional careers, he pointed out.

Khalifa University is the first university in the UAE to graduate the first batch of aerospace engineers. It currently offers bachelors, Master’s and doctoral programs in aerospace engineering. Moreover, the university houses the Aerospace Research and Innovation Center (ARIC) and has established the first advanced space laboratory in the region, one of the most advanced in the world. The university’s Master’s students have built MySat-1, the first CubeSat to be developed in a university lab in the UAE. The CubeSat launched into space from the ISS, the first of four to be launched into space by end of 2020. Khalifa University also plans to establish an advanced space lab to help analyze the data that will be sent from Mars.

Khalifa University has strategic partnerships with the Emirates Space Agency, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (YahSat) to support the UAE’s promising space sector, contributing to the UAE’s ambitious plans for astronautics and the launch of the Mars Probe next year.

UAE astronaut Hazza Al Mansoori returned a few days ago from a historic week-long space visit to the ISS, on board the Soyuz MS15 spacecraft, where he conducted a series of scientific tests to experiment with fluid dynamics in space in order to verify the behavior of liquids under microgravity. The space visit was a realization of a dream by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE, which was turned into a vision by the UAE’s leadership. It also opened the doors for the UAE to join the club of other countries that have space programs.

Momen Khaiti
Senior Editor
6 October 2019

The post Khalifa University Awards First-Ever Honorary Doctorate to First Emirati Astronaut Hazza Al-Mansouri appeared first on Khalifa University.