Jordan, a humble country from West Asia has entered the space race with the help of Fotowatio Renewable Ventures also known as FRV. With its first local made Nano-satellite called ‘JY1-SAT’, the Kingdom of Jordan launched the satellite on December 3rd, 2018. The primary purpose of this satellite is to collect terrestrial exploration data and send information back. This is considered as a remarkable moment in the history of Jordan. The FRV supported for this monumental event by funding it and being part of the collaboration with the Crown Prince Foundation.
The young Jordanian interns inspired the initiative of this project at NASA. Because of their vision and persuasion, the country was able to form a team of experts. The JY1-SAT, a CubeSat model satellite was designed by the 18 young, aspiring engineering students, five professors, and experts from numerous universities of Jordan. It was a part of Masar Initiative to motivate the Jordanian youth’s interest in space technology. As mentioned earlier, this satellite launch had funding from FRV, which is a part of Abdul Latif Jameel Energy. FRV is one of the most prominent global developers of renewable utility-scale projects and had a major role in the development of JY1-SAT. The satellite was named in honor of His Majesty, the late King Hussein whose personal radio call was JY1. The inaugural satellite was launched from Vandenberg, California, USA. The construction of this satellite was done under the guidance of the Crown Prince Foundation—Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II. The satellite deployed in orbit had an additional recorded message from the young crown prince. It will be aired by the satellite in the space to all the terrestrial radios around the globe.
The CEO of FRV, Mr. Daniel Sagi-Vela expressed his jubilation after the launch of the satellite. “We are proud to be part of this innovative technological project and to be able to support and recognize the extraordinary talent of the students involved in the satellite’s development”, said the CEO. The managing director of FRV at MEA, Nicolas Fasquelle said, “The promotion of research and educational projects in the countries where we operate is undoubtedly one of the key values of FRV. That is why we are proud to support initiatives as worthy as this one, which will recognize the enormous talent and research work carried out by young Jordanians.”
The Jordanian CubeSat will be used in numerous sectors for experimental activities, research, and development. It is believed that the satellite will boost the tourism in Jordan by broadcasting the historic images of heritage sites around Jordan. It would also encourage and develop satellite engineering, space travel, and space research to accomplish Jordan’s development goals. The Kingdom of Jordan has expressed its increased interest in satellite engineering more importantly in the space mission. It is looking for similar projects or could create spacecraft project in a distant future. With collaboration between the Crown Prince Foundation and NASA, the Jordanian engineering students can now participate in NASA Internship Program. They will get hands-on-training at NASA’s own research center in the USA. The students in the fourth year of engineering develop the abilities in space engineering at NASA premises for an internship period of 10 weeks.
While appreciating FRV’s support in the development of JY1-SAT, the CEO of Crown Prince Foundation Dr. Tamam Mango said, “We appreciate the strategic alliance we have built with FRV; as such partnerships support us in making big progress in achieving CPF’s development objectives as well as fulfill our mission in supporting Jordanian youth.”
Taking the innovation to new heights
The CubeSat JY1-SAT has opened new doors of opportunity and innovation for the Jordanian youth. And when the space program is monitored by the Crown Prince Foundation, Jordan’s progress in the space technology and mission is likely to flourish. This satellite launch has already inspired millions of Jordanian youths by promoting innovation and space technology. It is an apt opportunity to explore the outer surrounding and research on our terrestrial planet. As historic as this event is, it will take the Jordanian youth to a new field where they can acquire their goals. This persistent pursuit of space technology will develop Jordan’s human resource and help them accomplish future goals.

Read more: https://www.alj.com/en/news/jordan-launches-first-nanosatellite-support-frv/