The UAE Space Agency, in collaboration with Khalifa University, have devised a STEM-oriented contest called the “UAE Mini Satellite Challenge: Design, Build, Launch.” The challenge provides the opportunity for students interested in the fields of engineering, material sciences, and physical sciences to develop technology applications and experiments that are exposed to the space environment and have a clear view of the Earth and universe. The winning team will test their technology on a CubeSat platform deployed from the International Space Station. The challenge targets university undergraduate and graduate students. New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) won the competition. NYUAD students developed the payload to monitor terrestrial gamma ray flashes; while KU students are working on the design and development of the spacecraft bus where the payload will be integrated. KU is also responsible for the operation of the satellite once it is launched in early 2021.
