MBRSC announces KhalifaSat success in passing Solar Panel Deployment test

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, MBRSC, has announced the success of the first locally-built satellite by Emirati engineers, KhalifaSat, in passing the Solar Panel Deployment test, after the completion of several installation and assembly tests for its system and different engineering parts.

KhalifaSat’s success confirms the satellite's full capability of conducting operations smartly after its launch into space in 2018, and reaching its orbit after separation from the rocket. The test also proves that KhalifaSat’s solar panels will not open during the launch phase inside the rocket.

Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Director-General of MBRSC, said, "Achieving this important step in manufacturing KhalifaSat reflects the success of our strategy in localising the satellite manufacturing industry. The country has established a world-class infrastructure, which has enabled us to manufacture and carry out the necessary tests on the satellite at the Space Technologies Laboratories at the centre."

He went on to say, "The capabilities and expertise of the KhalifaSat team of Emirati engineers, raises our pride and confidence in their success in this mission, especially because the satellite has specifications and technologies which make it one of the pre-eminent satellites of its category in the world. We look forward to successfully accomplishing the next phases, until the satellite is ready to be launched into outer space next year."

Amer Al Sayegh, KhalifaSat Project Manager at MBRSC, explained, "KhalifaSat’s success in opening its solar panels at this phase in the manufacturing process shows the efficient overall operations of its engineering, electrical and mechanical aspects."

"KhalifaSat has undergone a number of separate sub-tests for all the mechanical and electronic systems, in addition to its software. These tests were followed by others to ensure the consistent operations of all its systems and parts," Al Sayegh said, adding that among the tests that KhalifaSat has successfully passed at MBRSC Space Technologies Laboratories, were the sun sensors test, Earth magnetic field sensors test, antenna movement and orientation to earth test, among others.

"After KhalifaSat’s separation from the rocket, it will automatically open the solar panels in direct position to the sun. The Control Command Room at the centre will expect to communicate with the satellite anytime then, to ensure the operative performance of all its systems in space, and will be prepared to smartly capture the first satellite image," the KhalifaSat Project Manager concluded.