The University of Nairobi Hands the First KiboCUBE CubeSat over to JAXA
Under UNOOSA-JAXA KiboCUBE Programme
January 19, 2018 (JST)
National Research and Development Agency
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
On January 16, 2018, at the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center, the team from the University of Nairobi handed over to JAXA their first KiboCUBE CubeSat, 1KUNS-PF (1st Kenyan University Nano Satellite-Precursor Flight) which was developed by the team. Under the KiboCUBE programme between the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and JAXA, 1KUNS-PF is the first CubeSat selected to be deployed from Kibo, the Japanese Experiment Module of the International Space Station (ISS). Preparation is underway to reach the deployment timeline, sometime this spring.
Through KiboCUBE, the capacity-building initiative that UNOOSA and JAXA launched in September 2015, both organizations cooperate to offer opportunities to deploy CubeSats from the Kibo module. This dedicated collaboration is designed to improve space technology of the developing countries of the United Nations member states. In August 2016, 1KUNS-PF was selected jointly by UNOOSA and JAXA for the first round of KiboCUBE programme, and is the first satellite to be developed and operated by Kenya.
Deployment Schedule, 1KUNS-PF
- January 16, 2018: 1KUNS-PF handed over to JAXA
- Around March 2018: launch to the ISS
- Spring timeframe 2018: deployment from Kibo with a robotic arm
Handover of first KiboCUBE CubeSat developed by the team from the University of Nairobi
Officials from Kenya receiving the handover acknowledgement from JAXA Officials
(From left) Dr. John Njoroge Kimani, Lead scientist/coordinator of Kenya Space Agency / H.E. Mr. Solomon K. Maina, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Japan / Prof. Jackson Mwangi Mbuthia, Professor of University of Nairobi / Mr. Kazuyuki Tasaki, Director for JEM Utilization Center of JAXA / Dr. Koichi Wakata, ISS Program Manager of JAXA / Mr. Masazumi Miyake, Director for International Relations and Research Department of JAXA
[Reference 1] Related Press Releases
[Reference 2] Application for the third round of KiboCUBE
Application Period: September 26, 2017 through March 31, 2018
For details, visit:
http://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/psa/hsti/kibocube/2018.html
[Attachment] Comments
Koichi Wakata, the JAXA ISS Program Manager/the JEM Mission Operations and Integration Center Director
I am pleased that the First KiboCUBE CubeSat “1 KUNS-PF” which was developed by the University of Nairobi of the Republic of Kenya and jointly selected by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and JAXA as the first KiboCUBE, was successfully handed over to JAXA. At JAXA, we are committed to making every effort to prepare for the successful deployment of the Republic of Kenya's first satellite utilizing the unique capability of the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” on the International Space Station.
Simonetta Di Pippo, UNOOSA Director
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs is very proud of its partnership with JAXA to provide access to space for developing countries through the innovative KiboCUBE programme. This handover ceremony from the University of Nairobi is a significant step in the first round of this programme, and I look forward the next milestones in this exciting initiative. The KiboCUBE Programme is bound to become a model of collaboration between UNOOSA and its partners to develop the capabilities of developing nations in accessing and using the benefits of space science and technology.
Jackson Mwangi Mbuthia, Professor of University of Nairobi
I am delighted that on January 16, 2018, at the JAXA Tsukuba Space Centre, the University of Nairobi team handed over the 1st Kenyan University Nano Satellite (1KUNS) to JAXA for deployment through the JAXA KiboCube. The 1KUNS-PF is the first Satellite to be developed by Kenya and first Satellite to be operated by a Kenyan University. The University of Nairobi 1KUNS-PF team won the first opportunity to launch 1U Cubesat under the KiboCube program between UNOOSA and JAXA.