In January 2025, the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) in the UAE, in partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), will launch the HCT-Sat1 satellite. This initiative marks a pioneering project among UAE colleges in the field of space exploration.
The project, which took nearly a year to complete, involved 34 students from various disciplines, supervised by experts from the MBRSC. The students developed the satellite through all its stages, showcasing a significant collaboration aimed at empowering Emirati talents in modern sciences and future technologies.
Dr. Faisal Al Ayyan, Director of HCT, stated that the launch of HCT-Sat1 represents a notable achievement for the colleges and underscores their commitment to the national vision and leadership directives. The project reflects a steadfast dedication to contributing to future industries by preparing a new generation of Emirati leaders in space science and technology.
HCT aims to enable students to actively participate in the space sector and support the country's efforts to lead in space exploration. The mission of HCT-Sat1 exemplifies the importance of applied education linked to real-world applications and highlights the significance of collaboration with MBRSC, enhancing educational program quality and providing students with unique opportunities to work alongside leading experts.
The project included students from various engineering fields, such as aerospace engineering and electrical engineering, as well as media students focusing on the marketing aspect. Together with nine faculty members, they collaborated with MBRSC to complete all phases of the project, including design, assembly, testing, and preparing for launch.
Saeed Hamid Al Marri, Director General of MBRSC, emphasized that developing HCT-Sat1 in collaboration with HCT is a pioneering step in strengthening the role of national educational institutions in the space sector. He noted that this initiative allows students to gain practical experience in satellite development and advanced projects, contributing to the country's vision of innovation and scientific excellence.
Al Marri affirmed that the project demonstrates the high capabilities of Emirati youth in handling advanced technologies and highlights MBRSC's commitment to building strategic partnerships that enhance the UAE's position as a global hub for research and development in the space sector. He expressed pride in this achievement, which empowers students to engage in scientific and technological projects that bolster the UAE's leadership in space exploration.
A team from HCT is preparing to travel to the United States later this month to attend the launch of HCT-Sat1. In April 2024, MBRSC and HCT announced the commencement of work on HCT-Sat1, a nanosatellite designed for Earth observation, developed by HCT students under the guidance of MBRSC experts.
This project serves as a comprehensive educational experience, empowering students and faculty through training and providing a thorough understanding of CubeSat technology, representing a significant step in integrating space technology into the educational sector and enhancing the UAE's position in space exploration and science.