An Indian expat student in Dubai has been selected to represent the UAE in an ambitious satellite development programme that will involve designing, building and eventually launching a satellite into space.
Shafaq Mandha, a BEng Computer Systems Engineering graduate from the Class of 2026 at Middlesex University Dubai, has been selected for ORBITA-26, an international satellite mission organised by Lab of Future in collaboration with the Future of Education in Russia.
The student is part of a team working on a UAE-based space education initiative aimed at giving young innovators hands-on experience in satellite engineering, from mission planning and hardware development to testing and launch preparation.
The programme is focused on developing student-led CubeSat technology, allowing participants to work on real-world aerospace challenges including satellite design, power systems, communication modules and onboard computing.
The initiative is part of the UAE’s broader efforts to encourage youth participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), while building local expertise in the space sector. The country has increasingly invested in student-led satellite programmes, including missions developed through universities and educational partnerships.
The student’s selection marks a significant achievement for Dubai’s growing community of young space enthusiasts, highlighting the opportunities available for students to participate in advanced technology projects beyond traditional classroom learning.
One of the major student-led satellite initiatives in the UAE is MAHASAT, a CubeSat project developed by students at BITS Pilani Dubai Campus in collaboration with space education company Edutech4Space. The project involves students working across multiple disciplines to design, test and prepare a satellite for launch.
Experts involved in UAE space education programmes say such initiatives help students understand the complete satellite lifecycle, including engineering design, subsystem integration, testing and mission operations.
The UAE has emerged as a regional space technology hub, with missions such as the Hope Probe to Mars and several student-built satellites helping inspire a new generation of engineers and researchers.
For young students like the Dubai-based innovator, the opportunity represents more than an academic achievement — it provides direct exposure to one of the world’s fastest-growing technology sectors and opens pathways towards future careers in aerospace, robotics and advanced engineering.
