星空传媒

Patented Technology Shortlisted by Prototypes for Humanity Ventures Program, Showcases UAE鈥檚 Growing Leadership in Advanced Space Technologies

Khalifa University鈥檚 pioneering Intelligent Distributed Satellite Systems (iDSS) project is selected as one of the top 100 innovations at 11th edition of Prototypes for Humanity 2025, the renowned innovation showcase, reaffirming the UAE鈥檚 role in fostering scientific innovation and its growing leadership in advancing global space research and technology development with transformative solutions.

The iDSS project, already a patented technology prototype, won against more than 1,200 submissions from 120 countries, demonstrating the research excellence of the FALCON Program and the Khalifa University Department of Aerospace Engineering. The 2025 exhibition that gathered visionary researchers, designers, and technologists, was exceptionally competitive, spanning fields including robotics, sustainability, health sciences, artificial intelligence, climate resilience, and space exploration.

The iDSS project has also been shortlisted by the Prototypes for Humanity Ventures Program, highlighting the project鈥檚 strong commercialization potential. This nomination places the iDSS initiative among a select group of innovations being considered for strategic industry partnerships, pilot funding, and support for market entry, further underscoring its viability as a transformative solution in the global space technology landscape.

Developed by Dr. K. Faisal Hussain and Professor Roberto Sabatini, Director, FALCON Program, the iDSS project introduces a next-generation approach to Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Space Traffic Management (STM). It also aligns with a broader vision of FALCON Program, advancing intelligent aerospace systems at a time when Earth鈥檚 orbit is becoming increasingly congested.

With the increasing number of Resident Space Objects (RSO) including active satellites, defunct spacecraft, and orbital debris from past missions the space environment is becoming more congested, creating an urgent need for resilient, autonomous, and intelligent surveillance systems capable of ensuring safe and sustainable access to Earth鈥檚 orbital domain.

To address these issues, the iDSS project proposes a transformative system designed to address critical challenges in autonomous RSO tracking and collision avoidance. By harnessing distributed and autonomous satellite networks, the team鈥檚 innovative approach integrates multi-sensor data fusion and advanced maneuvering algorithms. These advances enable more effective SDA and STM vital for ensuring the safe and sustainable use of Earth鈥檚 orbital domain.聽

Prof. Sabatini said: 鈥淎s Khalifa University continues to strengthen its role as a regional and global leader in aerospace technology, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems, the iDSS project exemplifies the institution鈥檚 mission to deliver research with global relevance and long-term societal benefit. The recognition at Prototypes for Humanity 2025 not only celebrates the scientific excellence of the FALCON Program but also reinforces the UAE鈥檚 vision of becoming a global hub for innovation in sustainable, intelligent, and autonomous aerospace systems.

Prof. Sabatini, who previously founded the Aerospace Systems Research Group (ASRG) and the Guidance, Navigation and Control Laboratory (GNCLab), now leads Khalifa University鈥檚 FALCON Program, a transdisciplinary research and training initiative dedicated to sustainable aviation and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

Clarence Michael
English Editor – Specialist聽