Kongsberg NanoAvionics expands in the UAE and partners with MBRSC to develop five CubeSats for future PHI missions

Amer AlSayegh (left), H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri (middle) and Atle Wøllo (right) Contract Signing at the Dubai Air Show copy

Kongsberg NanoAvionics is expanding its business operations and satellite integration services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The company is also collaborating with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) to develop five 12U CubeSats for future missions under the Centre’s Payload Hosting Initiative (PHI) programme in partnership with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).

The new Dubai branch, an addition to NanoAvionics’ existing operations in Lithuania, the USA and the UK, will enable integration and testing of satellites in partnership with MBRSC at their facilities as soon as next year. 

The tailored 12U satellites will be delivered individually from 2026 to 2030. They will support PHI’s upcoming missions, which provide countries and institutions worldwide with the opportunity to test innovative technologies in orbit. According to MBRSC, the Payload Hosting Initiative represents a defining milestone in the UAE’s efforts to democratise access to space and strengthen international cooperation in science and technology. 

The contract with MBRSC signifies a continuation of developments based on NanoAvionics previous partnerships with and successfully executed missions for the UAE's governmental and research institutions. One example is DEWA’s (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) signed agreement with NanoAvionics to provide nanosatellites to support the digitalisation of Dubai’s power and water networks.

Customers and partners like this are part of NanoAvionics long-term vision to empower the region’s sovereign satellite programmes by delivering modular, locally integrated small satellite technology. In collaboration with its parent company KONGSBERG and trusted partners, NanoAvionics supplies proven satellite platforms and components, supporting the development of complete satellite solutions for diverse national needs and applications.

Atle Wøllo, CEO of Kongsberg NanoAvionics, said: “We see growing demand in the region for sovereign Earth observation data, connectivity, and space research. A local branch will enable us to share our smallsat expertise, reliability, and performance that NanoAvionics is known for in the industry with the local government and regional industry. The new five-satellite contract with MBRSC is a great example and highlights the value of this long-term partnership and previous efforts to help accelerate the pace of innovation in space in the UAE. 

“I believe the UAE will greatly benefit from our broad range of flight-proven satellite platforms. With a spacecraft portfolio ranging from 10 to over 300 kilograms, NanoAvionics offers a cost-effective way to build anything from small technology demonstrations to strategic national missions.”

Amer AlSayegh AlGhaferi, assistant director General of the Aerospace Engineering Sector at MBRSC, said: “Working with NanoAvionics on this new series of CubeSats allows us to expand the opportunities offered through the Payload Hosting Initiative and support a broader community of partners seeking to test their innovations in orbit. Developing these platforms in collaboration reflects our commitment to accessible, well-engineered solutions that encourage international cooperation and advance the UAE’s role as a contributor to global space science.”