Launch of first Morocco-made nano-satellites for earth observation & radio communication

Two Moroccan nano-satellites, “UM5-EOSAT” and “UM5SAT-RIBAT”, have been launched lately by SpaceX on Falcon 9 rocket from U.S. Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The launch of these two first satellites, weighing each 4kg, is the culmination of a long scientific cooperation set between Mohammed V University in Rabat, the National Centre for Scientific & Technical Research and the Royal Centre for Space Studies and Research.

The goal of this tripartite project is to bring up a new generation of qualified Moroccan university researchers and engineers in space technologies, says a press release issued by Mohammed V University.

The UM5-EOSat is destined for Earth observation, while UM5-Ribat is equipped with advanced radio system used to determine aircraft & ship position, in addition to data collection from ground satellite stations.

This project shows Morocco’s determination to benefit from scientific research and space technologies to speed up the country’s growth development and progress spearheaded by King Mohammed VI.