Sharjah Sat-2 enters final testing phase ahead of 2026 launch
The Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology (SAASST) has begun the final round of testing for Sharjah Sat-2, marking a major milestone in the development of the academy’s latest small satellite mission.
A SAASST delegation traveled to the Netherlands to oversee the last stages of assembly, integration, and testing at ISISPACE, a company specialized in small satellite platforms and advanced space systems. The visit was part of ongoing work led by SAASST’s CubeSat laboratory, in collaboration with local partners in the Emirate of Sharjah.
Engineers focused on the mission’s most critical pre-launch checks, including functional and environmental tests, verification of subsystem integration, and inspections of power and safety systems. The team also assessed communications performance to ensure the satellite can reliably receive commands from the ground station and transmit data back to Earth. The satellite is scheduled to be ready for launch in the first quarter of 2026.
During the visit, the delegation toured ISISPACE’s test facilities, including a thermal vacuum chamber designed to replicate the extreme conditions of space. They also reviewed mechanical vibration testing systems that simulate the stresses satellites experience during launch, helping validate structural integrity and the stability of onboard components. The visit concluded with technical sessions between SAASST engineers and ISISPACE system specialists.
Sharjah Sat-2 is equipped with a multispectral imaging payload designed for Earth observation and natural resource monitoring, with the ability to capture high-resolution imagery. The data is expected to support Sharjah’s priorities in urban planning, environmental monitoring, natural resource management, and disaster and emergency response. The mission is also positioned to contribute to key areas such as sustainable agriculture and coastal protection, while strengthening national capabilities in space technology.
