Rabat – In a groundbreaking achievement for Moroccan academia, two university-developed nanosatellites, “UM5-EOSat” and “UM5-Ribat,” were successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
The launch took place on August 16 at 7:56 p.m. local time.
This milestone marks a significant collaboration between Mohammed V University in Rabat, the National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST), and the Royal Center for Space Studies and Research.
According to a statement from Mohammed V University, the initiative seeks to foster a new generation of Moroccan researchers and engineers specializing in space technologies.
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“UM5-EOSat” is fitted with an Earth observation camera, whereas “UM5-Ribat” is equipped with a software-defined radio (SDR).
The SDR is designed for telecommunications tasks, including tracking commercial aircraft and ships, and gathering data from ground-based IoT terminals.
The reprogrammable design of the satellites reflects the expertise developed at Mohammed V University, enabling adjustments or modifications to satellite functions while in orbit as required.
The statement highlighted that researchers from the University Center for Space Technology Research (CURTS) at Mohammed V University, located at the Mohammadia School of Engineers, devoted over three years to this project with dedication and precision.
CURTS will now manage the operation of the two nanosatellites, with support from ground stations for monitoring and control.
Over the next two months, the researchers will perform operational testing (LEOP) and validate the satellites’ performance, advancing academic expertise in space engineering. Data gathered by the nanosatellites will be shared with national universities.
In 2019, Moroccan students from the National School of Computer Science and Systems Analysis at Mohammed V University in Rabat and the Private University of Fez finished building two nanosatellites. These satellites were set to launch in May to investigate the ozone layer and climate change.
In July, Morocco’s aerospace sector reported revenue of MAD 10.68 billion ($1 billion) for the first five months of the year, reflecting a 17.6% increase from the same period last year, according to recent data from the Moroccan Exchange Office.
This growth is largely attributed to a rise in sales within the assembly segment. Over the past decade, Morocco has focused on boosting its aviation sector, striving to establish itself as a major player in the global aviation industry.
