National Space Research Center in Homs Works on Local Satellite Model in Preparation for Test Launch

The National Space Research Center at Homs University, which opened a few months ago, represents a modern initiative aimed at developing scientific research in the fields of space science, astronomy, and satellites, and at building national capacities in this domain. Dr. Khaled Al-Abdullah, the center’s director, told the Syrian News Agency (SANA) that the center currently includes a space sciences department, a satellites department, and a space data department under preparation, in addition to a scientific council comprising six researchers from various university faculties, with the option to engage external researchers.

Al-Abdullah stated that the center’s main objective is to manufacture satellites dedicated to monitoring Syrian territory and to utilize space data to support economic sectors, particularly agriculture and mineral resources, while advancing scientific research in space sciences to help build a scientific foundation for future generations to rely on and develop. He noted that the center has launched its first research projects in the field of gravity, alongside studies on spectra, force distribution, and satellite motion, emphasizing that research activities are accompanied by the development of the center’s scientific and technical infrastructure.

Al-Abdullah pointed out that a team at the center is studying a 1U cube satellite model previously manufactured by one of the center’s consultants, with the aim of redesigning and upgrading its components to reach a 2U model, paving the way for an initial launch test using a balloon before moving to more advanced space launch stages in the future. He highlighted that this initiative is among the first Syrian experiments in the satellite field, noting that the center also works on space observation and the development of space sciences. It currently houses two telescopes and is seeking to secure additional electronic telescopes and supporting equipment to expand its observation and research activities.

Al-Abdullah further mentioned that the center, which opened several months ago, has carried out a number of public and research activities, including a scientific seminar, events to observe the moon during its first quarter phase, and sky observation sessions from Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque Square in Homs, as well as an observation activity from the Rastan area.

For her part, Dr. Nour Dargham, head of the space sciences department at the center, stated in a similar interview that work in space science requires cumulative steps to build a specialized research system, emphasizing the importance of disseminating astronomical culture and broadening interest in the field among students and researchers. She explained that the center supports the development of student research, particularly graduate students in the faculties of Science, Mathematics, and Physics, in addition to conducting ongoing studies and publishing research in specialized scientific journals, thereby strengthening the presence of Syrian scientific research in the field of space sciences.

On his part, Dr. Salah Al-Shamali, head of the satellites department at the center, clarified that satellites can provide crucial data during Syria’s reconstruction phase by obtaining aerial and space imagery of damaged cities and areas, and analyzing levels of destruction and changes that have occurred. Al-Shamali noted that space data can also be used to study vegetation cover and surface and groundwater sources, as well as to monitor oil, gas, and underground mineral sites, providing information that helps researchers and relevant authorities conduct studies and make data-driven decisions.