SHAH ALAM: Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) created history yesterday by becoming the first local university to launch a nano-satellite into orbit.
The UiTMSAT-1 satellite was launched at about 5.45pm local time from the International Space Station (ISS); and a live feed of the event from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) was watched by Higher Education director-general Datin Paduka Siti Hamisah Tapsir.
Siti Hamisah said the satellite launch was a turning point in empowering space-related research in Malaysia.
“The satellite project by UiTM is something that we should be proud of, and other local universities are encouraged to follow in UiTM’s footsteps to further enhance the field of space studies,” she said.
The UiTMSAT-1 was transported to the ISS on board the Space X Falcon 9 spacecraft, which was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in the United States on June 29.
The cube-shaped nano-satellite, measuring 10cm, was built by 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.