Reem Rashid Al Mehsini

Reem Rashid Al Mehisni, 24, nuclear engineer, was one of the team of engineers who worked tirelessly to make the KhalifaSat launch-ready.

Reem’s role was to do a detailed thermal analysis simulation of KhalifaSat, install the thermal control subsystem hardware, and conduct thermal tests. These steps are done to make sure that the spacecraft’s temperature will be maintained within the specified limit in all the mission phases — during launch, through the travel, until it goes to space.

Because of the work, the clean room essentially became their second home.

“Working in the lab was interesting. We were first designing the satellite and planning for our system using a software. So we were just imaging it with the software. When we moved to the lab, it was hands-on work transforming the design from paper into the actual satellite. This was the most interesting part for me,” she said.

“I loved how the team worked as one to solve the issue within hours. I also discovered strong points within myself as an engineer solving problems. This is something I will never forget,” she added.

Even as KhalifaSat became her “baby” at work, she was also carrying her first baby. “I was working in the lab while pregnant so [my baby] was part of the project. When I did that unforgettable thermal test, she was with me. So she knows everything about KhalifaSat,” said Reem. “After I finished everything, I gave birth. She is a threemonth-old baby girl now.”

Reem is confident that KhalifaSat will be a successful mission for the UAE. Seeing the satellite ready for launch is very rewarding, she said. She hopes other young Emiratis would also consider getting into space tech engineering. “It’s a very interesting field and it’s where they can apply their engineering skills and knowledge. It’s not routine at all. It’s like an adventure every day. Every day you’re discovering yourself and excelling in this field.”