Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
A team from the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology at the University of Sharjah has started the final testing stage of Sharjah Sat-2 during an official visit to the Netherlands. This step is a major milestone in preparing the CubeSat mission for its planned launch in the first quarter of 2026.
The delegation visited ISISPACE, a leading company that develops and integrates CubeSats and space systems. The visit focused on checking the last stages of assembly, integration, and testing, which are considered the most important steps before any satellite launch. Engineers carefully tested all satellite systems to make sure they work properly and safely in space.
During the tests, the team checked power systems, safety modes, and communication equipment to ensure the satellite can receive commands from the ground and send data back without problems. The flight software was also reviewed to confirm it is fully ready for launch operations. These checks help confirm that the satellite can operate smoothly once it is in orbit.
The delegation also inspected advanced testing facilities, including a thermal vacuum chamber that recreates the harsh conditions of space, such as extreme temperatures and vacuum. Vibration tests were reviewed as well, simulating the strong forces the satellite will face during launch to ensure its structure remains stable.
In addition, the team held technical meetings and joined a workshop on international manufacturing and inspection standards. Quality control processes, documentation, and component checks were reviewed to ensure the satellite meets all required space mission standards.
Sharjah Sat-2 is equipped with a multispectral imaging camera that can capture high-resolution Earth images with details as fine as five meters. The satellite’s data will support Earth observation, urban planning, environmental monitoring, natural resource management, and disaster response in Sharjah. The mission will also help sectors such as agriculture and coastal protection while strengthening local expertise in space technology.
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