Antalya:The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) have announced the start of applications for PHI-3, the third opportunity under the Payload Hosting Initiative (PHI). This announcement was made during the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026) held in Antalya, Turkey.
According to Emirates News Agency, the PHI is a collaborative program between MBRSC and UNOOSA's 'Access to Space for All' initiative, aimed at helping nations develop practical space capabilities through direct involvement. The initiative provides a 12U CubeSat platform for hosting innovative payloads and new space technologies from around the globe. This platform allows partners to test and validate their technologies in orbit and engage in a genuine space mission backed by MBRSC's technical and operational expertise.
Amer AlSayegh AlGhaferi, Assistant Director General of the Aerospace Engineering Sector at MBRSC, emphasized that PHI embodies a shared vision with UNOOSA to widen access to space and offer significant opportunities for emerging space entities and nations. The initiative plays a crucial role in enhancing participation in the global space sector by merging MBRSC's satellite development capabilities with UNOOSA's international capacity-building framework, paving the way for new ideas and technologies to reach space.
Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of UNOOSA, highlighted that access to space involves more than just reaching orbit; it includes building skills, experience, and confidence for countries and institutions to develop their own space capabilities. She encouraged teams from countries that have not yet accessed space to apply for PHI-3 as a practical first step.
The third mission under PHI continues its focus on providing a collaborative platform for testing and innovation, supporting companies, universities, research centers, and emerging space entities in contributing to the global space ecosystem. It also facilitates knowledge exchange in satellite design, manufacturing, testing, launch, operations, and data analysis.
The first satellite in the initiative, PHI-1, launched in November 2025, included payloads from Bahrain Space Agency, Antarikchya Pratisthan Nepal, Sharjah Space and Astronomy Hub, and MBRSC itself. For PHI-2, payloads from the Technical University of Moldova and Madari Space Limited of the UAE were selected for launch.
Applications for PHI-3 are open until April 6, 2027. The proposals will be evaluated jointly by MBRSC and UNOOSA, with selected awardees announced in the last quarter of 2027.