Morocco Launches Two Nanosatellites, UM5-EOSat and UM5-Ribat
Morocco has achieved a significant milestone by launching its first university-built nanosatellites, UM5-EOSat and UM5-Ribat. The launch took place on August 16, 2024, aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, United States.
This accomplishment is the result of extensive collaboration between several institutions in Morocco, including the National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST), the Royal Center for Space Studies and Research (CRERS), and Mohammed V University of Rabat’s (UM5R) Center for Research in Space Technologies (CURT).
Design and Mission Overview
Moroccan researchers at the University Center for Research in Space Technologies (CURTS), housed at Mohammed V University’s Mohammadia School of Engineers, developed the nanosatellites, which weigh less than 4 kg and measure 300 x 100 x 100 mm.
According to CURTS, UM5-EOSat is designed as an Earth observation CubeSat, equipped with a camera capable of capturing high-resolution imagery of Moroccan territories from space. UM5-Ribat, on the other hand, carries a communication payload, enabling it to focus on:
- Aircraft tracking via ADS-B,
- Ship monitoring through AIS, and
- Data collection from Internet of Things (IoT) terminals within Morocco.
Both satellites feature reprogrammable in-orbit designs, allowing their functionalities to be updated or modified as needed.
Click here to rewatch the launch.
Operational Framework
CURTS will operate the two nanosatellites with dedicated ground stations for monitoring and control. The data and imagery collected will be shared with relevant government authorities, universities, and research institutions nationwide.
Impact and Future Plans
This achievement marks a historic milestone for Morocco’s scientific research, highlighting the country’s progress in space technologies. It reflects the dedication of Moroccan researchers and engineers to advancing national capabilities in space exploration. Moreover, the initiative aims to train a new generation of experts equipped to tackle future challenges in the space sector through specialised research and innovation.
For CNRST, the next steps include:
- Continuing to provide and manage scholarships for doctoral students involved in the project, supported by funding from the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation.
- Collaborating with CRERS to effectively utilise the data collected by the nanosatellites.
This success underscores Morocco’s commitment to academic and scientific excellence, reinforcing the Kingdom’s influence in fundamental and applied research in space technologies.