Morocco’s first university nanosatellites “UM5-EOSat” and “UM5-Ribat” were successfully launched by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on August 16 at 7:56 p.m. (GMT+1), according to Morocco’s News Agency MAP.
This achievement results from a 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.
The two satellites, weighing less than 4 kg each and measuring 300 x 100 x 100 mm, are designed for different missions. “UM5-EOSat” is equipped with a camera for Earth observation, while “UM5-Ribat” features a software-defined radio (SDR) for telecommunications.
“UM5-Ribat” will carry out tasks such as tracking commercial aircraft (ADS-B) and ships (AIS), as well as collecting data from ground terminals (IoT).
The satellites are designed to be reprogrammable in orbit, showcasing the expertise developed at Mohammed V University, which allows for adjustments to satellite functions during flight.
The University’s Space Technology Research Center (CURTS), hosted at the Mohammadia School of Engineers, led the project. The center will now manage the operation of the satellites, using ground stations for monitoring and control.
In the coming months, researchers will conduct operational tests and validate the satellites’ performance; the data collected will be available to national universities.