Palestinian Mechanical Engineer, Bayan Abusalameh, has designed the prototype for the first Palestinian cube satellite to ever exist, naming it “PALESTINE_1.”
Abusalameh recently earned her Masters Degree in Advanced Mechanical Engineering with distinction at Queen Mary University in London. Her thesis “An Innovative Design for 1U CubeSat” analyzed the components of her design, clarifying what it would take for “PALESTINE_1” to be launched into space in the upcoming years.
A CubeSat is a type of miniaturized satellite used for space research in low Earth orbit. It is placed inside a container that usually attaches to rockets going to space, and it can be ejected through the push of a button. CubeSats can be prepared to launch relatively fast, usually within a year or two.
These satellites minimize launch costs since they are not as heavy as normal satellites, and they do not require high amounts of fuel, granting smaller companies and research institutions affordable access to space.
Throughout the past years, countries have been racing to develop and launch CubeSats in an attempt to prove their scientific competencies. According to the European Space Agency, CubeSats are “changing the game when it comes to space exploration,” and these inventions will soon be able to venture further into space.
“CubeSats are cheaper than conventional satellites,” Abusalameh told Kayani Project. “They are expected to reduce the cost of space missions needed to study the Earth. The data collected by CubeSats can help us find solutions to global issues, including global warming and urban planning, using a scientific approach.”
Abusalameh’s journey came with several challenges along the way, especially as a young Palestinian woman.
“I grew up in an occupied territory, where our education is subject to the occupation’s restrictions,” explained Abusalameh. “I was also one of the very few females in the Mechanical Engineering department, which sometimes made me feel alienated.”
“We need more females in STEM disciplines,” affirmed Abusalameh, who is passionate about physics and space. “We need unconventional thinking to solve conventional problems.”
Similarly, Abusalameh’s significant scientific achievement was born amidst a state of continuous turmoil in her home country as well as a global pandemic that restricted her access to the majority of facilities.
“I had to work on the design while following up with what was happening in Sheikh Jarrah and Gaza,” said Abusalameh. “I kept working and researching, hoping that this would give hope to Palestinians everywhere.”
As for her next steps, Bayan Abusalameh will be pursuing her PhD, allowing her to work on her design and eventually send it to space. She will also endeavor to design more satellites that can be used to solve current global issues under a broader mission dubbed #FromPalestineToSpace.
“[Pursuing my PhD] will enable me to better research and study the CubeSats industry and enhance PALESTINE_1 so that it can have a successful launch,” she said.
According to Abusalameh, financial assistance is indispensable to ensure that PALESTINE_1 can be launched into orbit within the next few years, as each satellite costs around $100,000 to $200,000. Likewise, she stressed that solidarity via social media and support from the Palestinian people are vital for her to reach her goal.
Bayan Abusalameh has raised the Palestinian flag in the scientific realm, shedding light once again on the capabilities of Palestinian women.
“Dream big, and work hard,” she said, addressing Palestinian women and girls. “Don’t let anyone doubt your skills, your intelligence, or your potential. It will not be easy, and when you feel like giving up, don’t! You are getting closer to achieving something great.”