June 25, 2021 (JST)

National Research and Development Agency
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

 On June 22, 2021, the CubeSat named MIR-SAT1, developed by the team of Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC), was successfully deployed from the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” of the International Space Station (ISS). This deployment was supported by the KiboCUBE program run by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), where the team was selected as the winner in the third round. The deployment was broadcasted online for people in Mauritius considering the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister of Republic of Mauritius The Hon. Pravind Kumar JUGNAUTH, Ambassador of Japan to Mauritius H.E. KAWAGUCHI Shuichiro, and other people in Mauritius witnessed the deployment virtually.
 MIR-SAT1 has become the first satellite for Mauritius, which is operated by MRIC since its deployment. The experience of development and operation of MIR-SAT1, such as image acquisition and communication demonstration, is expected to benefit the future space activities in Mauritius.

MIR-SAT1 deployed from the ISS ©JAXA/NASA

Prime Minister of Republic of Mauritius The Hon Pravind Kumar JUGNAUTH witnessing the
deployment of MIR-SAT1 (In front left) ©Government of Mauritius

Ambassador of Japan to Mauritius H.E. KAWAGUCHI Shuichiro witnessing the deployment
of MIR-SAT1 (In front left) ©Government of Mauritius

JAXA Director General of Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, SASAKI Hiroshi, said:
“It is my pleasure that JAXA successfully deployed the first satellite of Mauritius, MIR-SAT1 from Kibo module of the ISS, and we are honored to play a role for Mauritius joining the space-faring community. We would like to extend our respect to UNOOSA and the MRIC for their efforts. MIR-SAT1 has various significant missions including technology demonstration of image acquisition and communication transmission, to which I wish a great success. This deployment will pave the way for the further endeavor by Mauritius’ space activities. Furthermore, all the experiences gained from MIR-SAT1 will lead to the space development in Mauritius. We truly hope to collaborate with Mauritius again in the near future. Congratulations!”

UNOOSA Director Simonetta Di Pippo said:
“I am delighted to welcome Mauritius to the community of space-faring nations. With eyes from above, the country will gain powerful data and tools to confront challenges such as rising sea levels and managing ocean resources. UNOOSA and JAXA are proud to have made this achievement possible and stand ready to support the utilization of this CubeSat and the overall development of the space sector in Mauritius.”

Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation Honorable Deepak Balgobin said:
“This nanosatellite opens a new historical chapter in technology development in the Republic of Mauritius. We are hopeful that our first satellite in space will serve as a thrust to STEM education and capacity building in Mauritius. We are investing in the economy of the future which will be powered by data and connectivity but also by the creativity of our youth. New avenues are now open to us and the possibility of Space as a new socioeconomic pillar is now more real than ever. This is a momentous achievement and reflects the vision of the Prime Minister, Honorable Pravind Jugnauth, of a knowledge-based economy”

Collaboration between JAXA and UNOOSA to Offer Small Satellite Deployment Opportunity from Kibo to Contribute to Developing Countries to Improve Space Technology (September 8, 2015)

KiboCUBE: Team from the Republic of Mauritius Selected for Third Round
and Extension of KiboCUBE Cooperation Programme (June 19, 2018)