Sharjah24: The UAE-Bahrain joint nanosatellite Light-1 has successfully arrived at the International Space Station (ISS). It was carried aboard a Falcon 9 rocket which launched the SpaceX CRS-24 commercial resupply mission from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, US, at 14:06 UAE time.
Its successful arrival at the ISS is the culmination of a trailblazing partnership between the UAE and Bahrain and an achievement of cooperation between the UAE Space Agency, Bahrain’s National Space Science Agency (NSSA), Khalifa University of Science and Research and New York University Abu Dhabi. It reflects the depth of bilateral ties between both nations, and the level of strategic partnership in all fields, including space, science and technology.
Light-1 will be subsequently re-launched into orbit around Earth during the first quarter of 2022 in cooperation with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. It will then start the region’s first scientific mission to monitor and study terrestrial gamma-ray flashes (TGFs) from lightning storms and cumulus clouds. The data will be made available to the global scientific community.
Light-1’s gamma-ray detection system, designed and assembled with unique layout, and making use of state-of-the-art detection devices, is competitive with bigger satellites and can make an impactful contribution to the comprehension of TGFs. The Light-1 satellite, thanks to its innovative technology, might be the pathfinder of future and larger missions targeting gamma rays.
Light-1 makes use of ‘scintillating’ crystals – a scintillator is a material that emits light when crossed by a subatomic particle and some crystals are very good scintillators. The light emitted by the crystals is collected by sensors called photomultipliers and then processed by a dedicated electronic system. Although the single components can be sourced from specialized companies, the assembled detection system is unique to Light-1.
The impact of high-energy gamma-ray emissions on atmosphere, air traffic and human health, especially flight crews, will be studied. These rays can penetrate aircraft structures, and therefore the data of Light-1 will improve understanding related to radiation exposure.
The team that worked on the design and construction of Light-1 consists of 23 university students, including nine Bahraini students, and ten Emirati students.
Light-1’s name was inspired by HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain’s book, The First Light. It recounts key points in Bahrain's history and the name symbolizes the country’s growth and scientific progress.
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