DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — A Dubai-based Indian expat student will represent the UAE at an international space mission where she will take part in designing, building and preparing a satellite for launch.
Shafaq Mandha, a 23-year-old computer systems engineering graduate from Middlesex University Dubai, has been selected for ORBITA-26, a global satellite initiative organised by Lab of Future in partnership with Future of Education in Russia.
Following months of technical preparation and training, Mandha will travel to Moscow in October to participate in the mission’s final stage, where teams from multiple countries will work on satellite development and launch activities.
Mandha, whose family originates from Gujarat, India, was born and raised in the UAE. She completed her schooling in Sharjah and Dubai before pursuing engineering at Middlesex University Dubai.
She is also preparing to begin a master’s degree in data science and artificial intelligence at the same university later this year.
From student projects to space technology
Mandha’s interest in space technology developed through her involvement in engineering projects, student leadership roles and international competitions.
During her university journey, she served in several student leadership positions, including Student Voice Leader, Inclusivity Champion and vice president of the Middlesex Innovation Hub’s Student Body.
She previously participated in the Saudi Space Agency’s DebriSolver Competition in Riyadh, where her team explored solutions related to space debris management.
The experience strengthened her interest in combining artificial intelligence, engineering and space technology to address real-world challenges.
UAE university supports next generation of innovators
Middlesex University Dubai said Mandha’s selection reflects the importance of providing students with opportunities to work on practical engineering challenges beyond traditional classroom learning.
Prof. Fehmida Hussain, deputy director and head of Computer Engineering and Informatics at Middlesex University Dubai, said the mission demonstrates how students can apply their technical knowledge through international collaborations.
The university said it was proud of Mandha’s achievement and her role in representing the UAE, highlighting the contribution of its engineering students to emerging technology fields.
International satellite challenge
ORBITA-26 brings together teams from seven countries for a competition focused on satellite development and space research.
Mandha is part of a five-member team that includes students responsible for leadership, design engineering, electrical systems, radio communications, research and technical analysis.
The team is supported by mentors from Lab of Future and has completed the initial research and mission planning phase.
The next stages involve developing a CubeSat structure, integrating electronic and sensor systems, testing communication and power components, and preparing for environmental assessments before launch.
Encouraging more young people to enter STEM fields
Mandha said she hopes her participation will encourage more students, especially young women, to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Her journey comes as the UAE continues expanding its space sector through investments in satellite technology, scientific research and STEM education.
The country has developed several space initiatives in recent years, including satellite programmes, astronaut missions and research projects aimed at building local expertise.
The UAE team previously achieved second place globally during the first season of ORBITA, setting a strong foundation for the upcoming mission.
Mandha and her teammates are now continuing preparations ahead of their October trip to Russia, where they will take the next step toward completing the satellite project.
