Successful MeznSat launch marks another milestone in UAE's space program

RAS AL KHAIMAH: The launch of the MeznSat satellite is a noteworthy accomplishment and a significant contribution from Ras Al Khaimah to the UAE’s position in the global space sector, asserted the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) following the official announcement that the MeznSat launch was a success.

Sixteen students from the American University of Ras Al Khaimah are celebrating the successful launch of their self-built MeznSat satellite, which will orbit the Earth collecting data on greenhouse gas concentrations and monitor the occurrence of red tide algae in the Arabian Gulf. The project reflects the University’s commitment to support its students and develop their skills.

Sponsored and supervised by the UAE Space Agency, MeznSat was developed by AURAK in collaboration with Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi. The satellite is the first student-built satellite in the UAE.  

Professor Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim, President of AURAK, said: “The MeznSat launch is a great achievement for the American University of Ras Al Khaimah and I am extremely proud of the dedication, effort and skill shown by the students. This moment is the culmination of three years of hard work and it shows the capability and professionalism of our students.”

“The wise leadership of the UAE has placed the nation’s space program at the forefront of its vision for the future and this launch marks another achievement in this field,” added Prof. Al Alkim. 

Dr. Abdul-Halim Jallad, a faculty member at AURAK’s Engineering School, has led the project since its inception. He, too, spoke of his pride in seeing the satellite launch successfully.

“I am thrilled for the students, as this MeznSat project has been a big part of all our lives and to see the launch go so well is just reward for their efforts,” Dr. Jallad said.

“The satellite was completely designed and manufactured by the AURAK students, who prepared the ground station, developed a work plan and manufactured all the parts of the satellite, including the special camera and receiving station,” he added.

“This MeznSat project has been a journey for the students, both in an educational sense and in terms of their own personal development, and I know that each of them will go on to achieve their career goals, as they are an intelligent and hard-working group,” Dr. Jallad concluded.

MeznSat was launched in a Soyuz-2 rocket from Russia today. It will orbit the Earth 565km above sea level on a mission expected to last three years. A ground station at AURAK’s space lab will monitor its movements and collect data that will be sent to Khalifa University for analysis. 

MeznSat was devised to provide the space industry in the UAE with well-trained graduates who have practical experience, while also creating opportunities for advanced space research. Through this project and future projects, AURAK aims to become a major center in the field of space engineering in the UAE and the region.

-Ends-

VIDEO DOWNLOAD LINK: https://we.tl/t-2cFJq5pbMT 

FOR AURAK MEZNSAT STUDENT INTERVIEW REQUESTS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Oussama Ramzi Khettabi
Marketing Officer
Office of Marketing and Communication
American University of Ras Al Khaimah
Tel:        +971 7 2210900 Ext. 1321
Fax:       +971 7 2210300
Email:    oussama.khettabi@aurak.ac.ae 

About Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is the northernmost of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is known for its rich history, dating back 7,000 years, and diverse landscape, from 64km of pristine beaches, to terracotta deserts and an imposing mountain backdrop. The Emirate is home to the highest peak in the UAE, Jebel Jais, which features the world’s longest zip line, at almost 3km.

Ras Al Khaimah is also centrally located at the modern crossroad between Europe, Asia and Africa, with one third of the world’s population within four hour’s flying time, making it an ideal location for businesses to expand into the UAE, the Middle East and Africa and beyond. Indeed, the World Bank’s Doing Business report ranks Ras Al Khaimah 30th out of 190 economies for ease of doing business.

At the Emirate's economic heart lies multiple major companies and diverse sectoral interests, including manufacturing and tourism. Major companies include: RAK Ceramics, RAKBANK, Julphar Pharmaceuticals, RAK Ports, RAK Rock, Stevin Rock, RAK Economic Zone, RAK Gas. Supporting these industries is a modern infrastructure, state-of-the-art industrial areas and business parks and world-class hotels, facilities and attractions for tourists.

For the past decade, Ras Al Khaimah has been consistently rated ‘A’ by Fitch and Standard & Poor’s rating agencies and already the Emirate is home to more than 38,000 businesses from 100 countries representing over 50 industries. RAK Courts is also the fastest court in the world at enforcing contracts in commercial disputes.

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© Press Release 2020