At 6.52pm on 3 February 2026, Universiti Teknologi MARA etched its name into Malaysia’s space history when it successfully released its second nanosatellite, UiTMSAT-2, into orbit from the International Space Station. The deployment, conducted through Japan’s Japanese Experiment Module using the JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer, marked a significant step forward for Malaysia’s growing space and satellite capabilities.
UiTMSAT-2: A Small Satellite with Big Responsibilities
UiTMSAT-2 is a 1.1-kilogramme 1U CubeSat that now operates in Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of between 380 and 400 kilometres, completing sixteen orbits around the Earth every day. Despite its compact size, the satellite carries important missions, including Earth observation and a space-based Internet-of-Things system designed to transmit sensor data from remote areas that lack terrestrial network coverage using the VHF-UHF amateur radio frequency band.
Years of Local Work Behind a Single Launch
The project is led by Dr Fatimah Zaharah Ali from UiTM’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering, with development work beginning as early as February 2021. Over several years, the UiTM team carried out component procurement, circuit board design, subsystem integration and extensive functional testing in Malaysia, ensuring the satellite met strict technical and safety requirements before advancing to its final build stage.
Tested in Japan, Built on Malaysian Expertise
From 2024 to 2025, the Flight Model of UiTMSAT-2 was completed at the Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan, where it underwent demanding space environment tests including thermal vacuum testing, antenna deployment checks, communication tests and fit verification, as well as the integration of its solar panels. These tests were critical in preparing the satellite to withstand the harsh conditions of space.
Strong Regional and International Collaboration
UiTMSAT-2 was first transported to the International Space Station on 26 October 2025 via the HTV-X1 mission aboard Japan’s H3 F7 rocket from Tanegashima Space Centre before being deployed into orbit earlier this month. The project is spearheaded by UiTM with strategic collaboration from the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in the Philippines and King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok in Thailand, while Kyushu Institute of Technology provided key technical support.
Investment in Future Technology
Funding for the satellite was provided by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation through a RM500,000 International Collaboration Fund, with additional support from UiTM’s Strategic Research Partnership Fund and contributions from international partners. On the ground, UiTM’s Satellite Integration Laboratory and its ground station at the Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Engineering Complex will support ongoing operations using licensed VHF-UHF systems and tracking infrastructure.
UiTMSAT-2: More Than a Satellite, a National Statement
UiTM Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Shahrin Sahib described the launch as proof that Malaysia, particularly its public universities, is capable of playing a larger role in future technologies. He said UiTMSAT-2 is not merely a nanosatellite, but a symbol of local expertise and confidence in Malaysian talent, demonstrating that academic research can be translated into real-world technological applications with national and regional impact.
As UiTMSAT-2 continues to orbit the Earth sixteen times a day, it stands as a quiet but powerful reminder that Malaysia’s journey into space is no longer a distant ambition, but a reality shaped by local knowledge, international collaboration and long-term commitment to advanced technology.
Source: here
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