Tsukuba Space Centre, Japan: Light-1 CubeSat, an aerospace collaboration initiative between the UAE Space Agency, Bahrain’s National Techn, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, and New York University (NYU) Abu Dhabi has been successfully launched into orbit from the International Space Station.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) played a pivotal role in the execution of the project by coordinating the launch from the Tsukuba Space Centre (TKSC) in Japan.
Light-1 CubeSat is region’s first scientific mission to monitor and study Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGFs) from thunderstorms and lightning. The data gathered from the nanosatellite, which aims to leverage space science to support sustainable economic growth, will be shared globally to support scientific analysis and encourage cooperation with research centers around the world.
22 university students from Khalifa University including nine Bahrainis, 10 Emiratis, and three international students worked on the design and development of Light-1 bus. The team was advised by Dr. Firas Jarrar, Manager, Yahsat Space Lab, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering.
Meanwhile, the NYU Abu Dhabi Team of 5 Emirati students and 5 international students, who worked on the development of the payload called Rapid Acquisition Atmospheric Detector (RAAD – Arabic for ‘thunder’), was advised by Dr. Francesco Arneodo, Programme Head of Physics, and Dr. Mallory Roberts, Professor of Physics.
The launch of Light-1 CubeSat into its orbit from the International Space Station reflects the intense collaboration engaged by all stakeholders involved, as well as the extent of technical brilliance displayed by students in the UAE with suitable guidance from experts. As this UAE-Bahraini nanosatellite reached its orbital position, we believe this collaboration initiative will stand out as the best example of what can be achieved by the scientists in the Arab world. –Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President, Khalifa University, remarked about the project.
The Khalifa University Official added that “We are happy to work with our brothers in Bahrain in scientific development that will not only benefit our countries but also the whole world and humanity. Also, this is a great effort between local universities in the UAE. We believe Light-1 will carry out its mission towards studying Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes and their impact on aircraft and other flying devices, while supporting scientific analysis in space.”
The UAE has made massive strides in its space journey over the past few years, and the successful deployment of our Light-1 nanosatellite into orbit is a major milestone. Coming close on our recent success with the Emirates Mars Mission, and our first space astronaut Hazza AlMansouri’s journey to the International Space Station, this is an endorsement of our achievements in the cosmos. –Mr. Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, observed about the achievement.
Mr. Al Qubaisi further added that, “At the UAE Space Agency, we are committed to exchange knowledge and expertise with the international community to stimulate cutting-edge research, scientific discoveries and human progress. We thank all our partners across the UAE, Bahrain, US and Japan for their support in making this mission possible.”
Light-1 will study the effects of high-energy gamma-ray emissions on atmosphere, air traffic and human health, especially flight crews. These rays can penetrate aircraft structures, and therefore the data of Light-1 will improve understanding related to radiation exposure.
Light-1’s gamma-ray detection system RAAD, designed and assembled with a unique layout, and making use of state-of-the-art detection devices, is competitive with bigger satellites and can make an impactful contribution to the comprehension of TGFs. The Light-1 nanosatellite, with its innovative technology might become a pathfinder of future and larger missions targeting gamma rays.