UiTM Makes History With Launch Of UiTMSAT-2 To ISS

SHAH ALAM, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) made history when it successfully launched its second nanosatellite, UiTMSAT-2, to the International Space Station (ISS) via the HTV-X1 mission,  which lifted off on a H3 F7 rocket from the Tanegashima Space Centre, in Japan, at 9 am (8 am Malaysian time) yesterday.

The launch, broadcast live by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), marked a milestone moment for Malaysia and ASEAN as UiTM leads the first regional satellite mission developed under the ASEANSAT initiative. 

According to UiTM, the HTV-X1 vehicle is expected to dock with the ISS within 48 to 72 hours before UiTMSAT-2 is deployed into low Earth orbit in the first quarter of 2026.

UiTMSAT-2 is the first nanosatellite designed, developed and led by an ASEAN university, positioning UiTM as a regional leader in space technology and scientific diplomacy.

"This mission represents the culmination of the ASEANSAT program, a collaborative initiative led by UiTM since 2021, with the participation of the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (Philippines) and King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (Thailand), supported by ongoing technical guidance from the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech), Japan.

UiTMSAT-2 builds upon the success of UiTMSAT-1, launched in 2018. While the first mission positioned Malaysia as a global participant in nanosatellite research, this second mission positions UiTM as a key designer and leader in international space projects,” said UiTM in a statement today.

Lead advisor of the project, Prof. Ir. Dr Mohamad Huzaimy Jusoh, said UiTM has now achieved full maturity in satellite system design, in line with the university’s aspiration to become the leader in ASEAN space technology by 2030.

Project leader Dr Fatimah Zaharah Ali described UiTMSAT-2 as more than just a satellite launch, but also symbolises UiTM’s capability to produce young researchers capable of leading international projects, reflecting years of strategic investment and institutional support.

She said project funding was secured through the International Collaboration Fund (ICF) under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), amounting to RM500,000, with an additional RM20,000 from UiTM’s Strategic Research Partnership (SRP) Fund.

Additional support, she said, came from regional partners, with the Philippines contributing USD40,000, while Thailand provided equipment and technical expertise.

The Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) also strengthens the mission’s direction through policy advice, technical specification validation and technocratic guidance to ensure compliance with international standards, she added

 UiTMSAT-2 is a 1U CubeSat satellite (measuring 10×10×11.35 cm and weighing 1.1 kilogrammes) equipped with a high-resolution camera and an Internet of Things (IoT) satellite-based communication.

The mission’s main objectives include earth observation and space-based IoT applications for smart agriculture and disaster management; a Store-and-Forward system to transmit sensor data from remote areas; and regional capacity building to train ASEAN students and researchers in space technology.

Following the docking of HTV-X1 at the ISS, UiTMSAT-2 will be launched from the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) using the JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD) in the first quarter of 2026.

The launch will also be broadcast live by JAXA, marking UiTM’s official entry into the elite group of over 100 nanosatellites launched through the J-SSOD program.

Meanwhile, UiTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Shahrin Sahib @ Sahibuddin,  in the same statement, expressed his highest appreciation and congratulations to the entire team of researchers, engineers and students involved in the UiTMSAT-2 and the ASEANSAT projects.

He said this achievement is not only a scientific and technological success but also a symbol of UiTM's strength in nurturing global talent and driving high-impact research.

UiTMSAT-2 proves that Malaysian universities are capable of becoming regional leaders in space technology and future innovation,” he added.

-- BERNAMA