Kuala lumpur: Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) created history by successfully releasing its second nanosatellite, UiTMSAT-2, into orbit from the International Space Station (ISS) at 6.52 pm Malaysian time today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, project leader Dr. Fatimah Zaharah Ali stated that UiTMSAT-2 is a 1.1-kilogramme 1U CubeSat nanosatellite, which was released through the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) using the JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD) mechanism. The project carries the primary mission of an Earth observation camera and a secondary mission of a space-based Internet-of-Things. It aims at transmitting sensor data from remote areas lacking a terrestrial connection network, utilizing the VHF-UHF amateur radio frequency band.
Dr. Fatimah made these remarks during the Live Viewing Ceremony for the launch of the UiTMSAT-2 nanosatellite, broadcast from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) at 7.52 pm Japan time. The event, held at the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Chancellery Building, UiTM, was also attended by UiTM Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr. Shahrin Sahib.
On October 26, 2025, UiTM launched UiTMSAT-2 to the ISS via the HTV-X1 mission using the H3 F7 rocket from Tanegashima Space Centre, Japan, precisely at 8 am Malaysian time (9 am Japanese time). Dr. Fatimah Zaharah noted that the small satellite project will operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 380 to 400 kilometres and will orbit the Earth 16 times in 24 hours.
She further explained that the development of UiTMSAT-2 began in February 2021, with the formation of the engineering model at FKE UiTM, involving component procurement, circuit board design, subsystem integration, and functional testing. Vibration and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests were conducted in Malaysia, while the development of the Flight Model (FM) continued at the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) in Japan from 2024 to 2025. This included the integration of solar panels and space environment tests such as Thermal Vacuum Test, Antenna Deployment Test, Communication Test, and Fit Check Test.
UiTM leads the UiTMSAT-2 project as the main institution, collaborating strategically with the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (Philippines), King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (Thailand), and Kyutech as the technical supporter. The project funding was provided by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) through the International Collaboration Fund (ICF) with RM500,000, along with contributions from UiTM via the Strategic Research Partnership Fund (SRP) and financial support from international partners.
The satellite development involves the Satellite Integration Laboratory at FKE and the ground station at the Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Engineering Complex at the university, equipped with VHF/UHF Yagi antennas, a rotator system, and an amateur operator licence that is renewed periodically.
Meanwhile, Professor Shahrin highlighted in his opening remarks that the launch of the nanosatellite demonstrates Malaysia's and particularly UiTM's capability and readiness to play a significant role in the technological landscape. 'UiTMSAT-2 also reflects meaningful university-industry collaboration, where academic research is translated into real-world technological applications. It is a symbol of local expertise, a manifestation of confidence in the talent of Malaysian children, and proof that public universities are capable of being a driver of the country's strategic technology," he added.