of every month to attract enthusiasts, students, and professors in astronomy and space sciences. They also intend to deliver scientific information in a simplified, easily digestible manner while raising awareness of this field's importance and the latest developments in the UAE Space Sector.
The Sharjah Sat-1 project comes in line with the UAE's national agenda in developing its space sector. It is also following the vision set for SAASST by its founder, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the University of Sharjah. His Highness founded SAASST as a national development project and research center that seeks to serve and educate society in all areas of space science. The Academy's goal is to become a world leader in space sciences and technology research while establishing the United Arab Emirates as a scientific center in the Arab Gulf region and the world.
Eng. Bin Ashour introduced the CubeSat Laboratory, which works on the 3-U Sharjah-Sat-1 project with several qualified university students. It is a modern, miniature satellite compared to regular satellites and can be used to accomplish particular space and research missions. It is also equipped with communication devices and sensors and weighs less than 3.3 kg. The CubeSats Laboratory at the Academy engages qualified university students from the Colleges of Engineering and Science in the Sharjah Sat-1 project, which is expected to launch during 2021. This program gives the contributing students practical experience in building and designing CubeSats and gaining practical experience in dealing with a real spacecraft.
Through these general lectures, SAASST aims to enhance research and scientific capabilities in astronomy and space sciences by providing the knowledge, awareness, infrastructure, and technology necessary to support various space sector efforts in line with the United Arab Emirates' strategic objectives.