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Landmark Achievement in Sustainable Space Technology Marks a Leap Forward in Local Capacity Building with Global Relevance

Khalifa University of Science and Technology and the UAE Space Agency today announced a major milestone in space innovation with the commissioning of the region鈥檚 first environmentally friendly, in-house-developed micro propulsion system for a 6U CubeSat. The system is designed, built, and tested entirely in the UAE, marking a critical step towards building national capability to engineer and deploy satellite propulsion systems.

Supported by the UAE Space Agency (UAESA) through a formal agreement with Khalifa University, the project is part of the 6U CubeSat initiative to demonstrate in-orbit technology for low Earth orbit (LEO) missions. Six University researchers and key collaborators from UAESA are involved, with the system now entering the final commissioning phase at Khalifa University鈥檚 Small Satellite Lab.

Developed at Khalifa University Space Technology and Innovation Lab (KUSTIL), the propulsion system marks a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical systems, by utilizing High Test Peroxide (HTP), a non-toxic propellant that breaks down into water vapor and oxygen. Compact yet high performing, the system鈥檚 2U propulsion module features five thrusters capable of five degrees of freedom (DOF) control, an uncommon achievement for satellites in the CubeSat class.

His Excellency Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, said: “Today, we mark a historic milestone in the UAE’s space innovation journey with the launch of our environmentally friendly, locally developed micro propulsion system for the 6U CubeSat. This strategic achievement not only embodies our commitment to sustainable space technologies but stands as living proof of our national talent capabilities in engineering鈥�.

Al Qubaisi added: 鈥淭his distinguished innovation has laid a new cornerstone in our quest to cement the UAE’s position as a pioneer in space exploration at both regional and global levels. It is a source of immense pride to see our investments in the space sector transform into tangible reality. We remain steadfast in our determination to achieve further breakthroughs that will strengthen the UAE’s footprint in the global space economy and next-generation technology.鈥�

His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President, Khalifa University, said: 鈥淎s part of the collaboration with the UAE Space Agency, the CubeSat propulsion project aligns with the UAE鈥檚 vision to strengthen local and regional space capabilities. Such advanced systems represent a significant leap in the country鈥檚 ability to independently validate complex and sustainable space technologies. Reaching the final commissioning phase P站视频 Khalifa University鈥檚 deep commitment to nurturing national talent, enhancing local infrastructure, and advancing innovation that not only supports a self-reliant space ecosystem but contributes meaningfully to global scientific progress.鈥�

The propulsion module will be integrated into a fully functional 6U CubeSat system, expected to launch by the end of 2026. The primary mission is to demonstrate in-orbit propulsion capabilities for attitude control and orbital maneuvers. A successful demonstration aims to pave the way for the UAE鈥檚 first CubeSat-based satellite constellation, establishing a foundation for scalable, sustainable access to space, which would also be the first of its kind in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

Beyond the module itself, the team has also built a dedicated milli-Newton thrust testing facility, now operational in Abu Dhabi. This facility will be available for future use by external researchers and industry partners, contributing to the UAE鈥檚 broader capabilities in space propulsion R&D. Khalifa University will lead the Assembly-Integration-Testing (AIT) phase of the CubeSat with national entities, including UAESA, as well as international partners to secure a launch window.

Alisha Roy
Science Writer