Session
Poster Session 3
Location
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Abstract
Given the continuous efforts in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to develop its local capabilities in space technology through the deployment of nanosatellites (cubesats) in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), understanding cubesats orbital dynamics and decay patterns is crucial for both future mission planning and space debris management. This study investigates the orbital decay characteristics of cubesats deployed by the UAE in LEO. We analyzed the orbital decay rates of seven UAE cubesats namely Nayif-1, Mysat-1, Meznsat, QMR-KWT, Ghalib, Dhabisat, and Light-1 by examining observational data, orbital parameters, and environmental factors. The results offer insights into the effectiveness of current satellite design practices in mitigating debris risks and inform future satellite missions and space policy. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of nanosatellite behavior in LEO and support the UAE’s objectives in advancing space technology and sustainability.
Document Type
Event
Orbital Decay Analysis of UAE Nanosatellites in Low Earth Orbit
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Given the continuous efforts in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to develop its local capabilities in space technology through the deployment of nanosatellites (cubesats) in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), understanding cubesats orbital dynamics and decay patterns is crucial for both future mission planning and space debris management. This study investigates the orbital decay characteristics of cubesats deployed by the UAE in LEO. We analyzed the orbital decay rates of seven UAE cubesats namely Nayif-1, Mysat-1, Meznsat, QMR-KWT, Ghalib, Dhabisat, and Light-1 by examining observational data, orbital parameters, and environmental factors. The results offer insights into the effectiveness of current satellite design practices in mitigating debris risks and inform future satellite missions and space policy. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of nanosatellite behavior in LEO and support the UAE’s objectives in advancing space technology and sustainability.
