Qatar University (QU) has signed a strategic co-operation agreement with the Qatar Satellite Company, Es'hailSat, during the events of the recent MWC25 conference and in a separate ceremony on its sidelines, it was announced yesterday.

The agreement aims to support the development and deployment of nanosatellite technology within the QU through a partnership that brings together the university's research and academic capabilities with Es'hailSat's leading expertise in operating and managing satellites.

This collaboration, it was explained, represents a significant step toward strengthening Qatar's presence in the space sector and supporting the development of national capabilities in this vital field.

QU vice-president for Research and Graduate Studies Prof Aiman Erbad described the collaboration with Es'hailSat as a strategic step that reinforces university's efforts in advancing nanosatellite technology and expanding the horizons of scientific research and innovation in the field of space.

"We take pride in the fact that this partnership contributes to building exceptional national capabilities and strengthens Qatar's presence in the space sector through pioneering projects that combine industrial expertise with academic excellence,” he said.

Es'hailSat vice-president (Commercial) Hamad Omar al-Mannai said that the partnership aims to broaden the scope of scientific research and innovation within the space sector.

"We take pride in contributing to the development of exceptional national capabilities and enhancing Qatar's stature in the space industry through high-quality projects that merge industrial expertise with academic excellence,” he said.“Together, we are poised to make significant strides in this vital area of research and technological advancement.”

The agreement outlined the launch of joint projects in the design, deployment, and operation of nanosatellite missions, with a focus on scientific research, technological development, and outreach in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The agreement also included the exchange of expertise, technical knowledge, and resources between both parties to ensure the success of future initiatives.

The nano-satellite development initiative at the QU began in 2018, encompassing multidisciplinary student projects as well as research projects funded by the Qatar Research, Development & Innovation Programme.

The QU hosts the country's only academic satellite ground station, a key outcome of this initiative.

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