The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) have launched a new call for applications for the third round of the Payload Hosting Initiative (PHI), which offers teams worldwide the opportunity to send innovative technologies into orbit. They announced the latest round during the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026) in Antalya, Türkiye.
PHI-3 will enable selected teams to launch their own payloads aboard a satellite developed and operated by MBRSC and test their technologies in space. By removing the need to develop and operate an entire satellite, the programme lets teams focus on their payload while gaining hands-on experience across all practical stages of preparing technology for a space mission, from testing and integration to operations and data analysis.
Part of UNOOSA’s Access to Space for All initiative, PHI is designed to help emerging space nations build the practical skills and expertise needed to develop future missions and expand their space activities. Applications for PHI-3 are open until 6 April 2027.
PHI demonstrates how international partnerships can lower barriers to space and turn access to orbit into lasting capacity. The first PHI satellite launched in November 2025, carrying payloads including a technology demonstration from the Bahrain Space Agency designed to explore more secure satellite communications, and one from the nonprofit Antarikchya Pratisthan Nepal testing communication technology in orbit. Teams from the Republic of Moldova and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were subsequently selected for PHI-2.
Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of UNOOSA, said: “Access to space is about much more than reaching orbit. It is about building the skills, experience and confidence that enable countries and institutions to develop their own space capabilities. PHI gives teams a practical first step on that journey. I strongly encourage teams from countries that have not yet had the opportunity to access space to apply for PHI-3.”
Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, said: “PHI reflects our shared vision with UNOOSA to expand access to space and create meaningful opportunities for emerging space entities and nations to participate directly in real missions. Programmes such as PHI play an important role in broadening participation in the global space sector. By combining MBRSC’s satellite development and operational capabilities with UNOOSA’s international capacity-building framework, we are creating a pathway for new ideas, technologies and talent to reach space and generate knowledge that can support future missions and applications.”
PHI is open to eligible entities including universities, research institutions and other organisations seeking to demonstrate innovative payloads and emerging space technologies. Selected teams participate in a real space mission supported by MBRSC’s technical and operational capabilities and gain experience across testing, launch, operations and data analysis.
UNOOSA and MBRSC will evaluate applications jointly, and they expect to announce selected awardees in the last quarter of 2027.
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