The UiTMSAT-1 satellite was sent into orbit at 5.45pm local time today and the live feed of the launch from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa) was witnessed by Higher Education director-general Siti Hamisah Tapsir.
Speaking to reporters, Siti Hamisah said the launching of the satellite was a turning point in empowering space-related research in the country.
“The satellite project by UiTM is something that we should be proud of and other local universities are encouraged to follow UiTM’s footsteps to further enhance the field of space studies.
“Such projects cannot rely solely on the government and it requires assistance and support from the education industry,” she said.
The UiTMSAT-1 was transported to the ISS on board the Space X Falcon 9 spacecraft which was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force, Florida, in the United States on June 29.
The cube-shaped nano-satellite measuring 10cm was built by two UiTM students, Syazana Basyirah Mohamad Zaki and Muhammad Hasif Azami, who are currently studying in Japan, following a collaborative effort with the Kyushu Institute of Technology (KyuTech) under the “Joint Global Multi-Nation” programme.
Bhutan and the Philippines also developed a nano-satellite each under the programme.