Skip to main content

School of Aerospace Engineering

Space Systems Research Group (USM Space Systems Lab - USSL)

The Space Systems Research Group (USSL) is a pioneering, multidisciplinary research team advancing space exploration and satellite technology through the development of space system hardware, software and advanced aerospace applications. The group tackles the complex engineering challenges of the space environment, orbital dynamics and small satellite systems where precision and reliability are paramount. By establishing dedicated testing and ground facilities, USSL is dedicated to producing indigenous space-related products and innovations. Its work supports the future of space communications and near-space exploration while providing students and researchers with a dynamic environment to collaborate on transformative, high-impact multidisciplinary projects.

Core Focus Areas & Research Themes

  • Small Satellite Systems: Design, development and integration of compact orbital platforms.
  • Near-Space Research: Exploration and engineering solutions for high-altitude and near-space applications (including airborne vehicles).
  • Dynamics and Control: Advanced orbital mechanics, attitude control and precision stabilization.
  • Space Environment: Analysis and engineering for spacecraft survivability and operation in extreme environments.
  • Satellite Communication: Advancing telemetry, tracking and communication systems for space missions.

Facilities

  • Space System Laboratory: A dedicated hub for the development of space hardware and software, equipped to provide rigorous testing and ground support for satellite and near-space applications.

Group Members

Dr. Siti Harwani Md Yusoff
Dr. Siti Harwani Md Yusoff
USM Expert Profile
Dr. Norilmi Amilia Ismail
Dr. Norilmi Amilia Ismail
USM Expert Profile
Dr. 'Aiffah Mohd Ali
Dr. 'Aiffah Mohd Ali
USM Expert Profile
Dr. Mohamad Haniff Junos
Dr. Mohamad Haniff Junos
USM Expert Profile
Dr. Safiah binti Zulkifli
Dr. Safiah binti Zulkifli
USM Expert Profile
Dr. Syazana Basyirah Mohammad Zaki
Dr. Syazana Basyirah Mohammad Zaki
USM Expert Profile

Research Activities

Selected Publications

  1. Md Ridzwan, N. S., & Md Yusoff, S. H. (2026). Earthquake Forecasting Using Temporal Transformers on Spatial Grids in Chile. Earthquake Science, 39(2).
  2. Md Yusoff, S. H., Baba, T., Siddiqui, N. A., Saidin, N. B., Abdul Sani, S. F., Abdul Karim, J., & Hasbullah, N. F. (2024). Radiation-induced degradation of silicon carbide MOSFETs - A review. Materials Science and Engineering B-Advanced Functional Solid-State Materials, 300, 117096.
  3. Md Ridzwan, N. S., & Md. Yusoff, S. H. (2023). Machine learning for earthquake prediction: a review (2017–2021). Earth Science Informatics, 16(2), 1105-1121.
  4. Thaheer, A. S. M., Ismail, N. A., Amir, M. H. H., & Razak, N. A. (2024). Static and dynamic analysis of different MYSat frame structure. Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Sciences, 18(4), 10261-10278.
  5. Hairudin, W. M., Mat, M. N. H., Ooi, L. E., & Ismail, N. A. (2024). Co-simulation approach for computational aero-acoustic modeling: Investigating wind-induced noise within two-way radio microphone ports cavity. Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Sciences, 18(1), 9909-9927.
  6. Ismail, N. A. (2022). Space sector development in Malaysia. ASEAN Space Programs: History and Way Forward, 43-55.
  7. Muniandy, S., Zulkifli, S., & Mohd Ali, A. (2025). Optimizing Continuous Wave Radar for Micro-UAV Detection using Doppler and Micro-Doppler Analysis. Journal of Advanced Research in Micro and Nano Engineering, 37(1), 36–49.
  8. Zakaria, M. S., & Mohd Ali, A. (2026). The Development of a Wildfire Early Warning System Using LoRa Technology. Computers, 15(2), 105.
  9. Keep, A., et al. (2025). Assessing Neural Network Predicted Amplitude Scintillation for Missing Autumn 2014 Data at UKM Station Using Simulation. Space Weather and Ionospheric Research, 13(1).
  10. Junos, M. H., & Khairuddin, A. S. M. (2025). YOLO-MMS for aerial object detection model based on hybrid feature extractor and improved multi-scale prediction. The Visual Computer, 41(12), 4759–4778.
  11. Junos, M. H., Khairuddin, A. S. M., Zulkifli, S., & Elmi Bin Abu Bakar. (2024). YOLO-ME: an enhanced lightweight YOLOv7 Tiny model for efficient object detection in aerial imagery. Signal, Image and Video Processing, 18(6), 3121-3138.
  12. Sarudin, I., Junos, M. H., Abdul Hamid, N. S., & Abdullah, M. (2025). Aplikasi Pendekatan Hibrid Dalam Pengesanan Struktur Gelembung Plasma Khatulistiwa Berdasarkan Roti Keogram. 9th International Conference on Space Science and Communication (IconSpace), 44-51.
  13. Muniandy, S., Zulkifli, S., & Mohd Ali, A. (2025). Optimizing Continuous Wave Radar for Micro-UAV Detection using Doppler and Micro-Doppler Analysis. Journal of Advanced Research in Micro and Nano Engineering, 37(1), 36–49.
  14. Zulkifli, S., et al. (2025). A Flexible K‐Band FMCW Radar Prototype for Low‐RCS Nano‐Drone Detection. IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, 61(4).
  15. Junos, M. H., Zulkifli, S., Elmi Abu Bakar, Ahmad Faizul Hawary, & Anis Salwa Mohd Khairuddin. (2024). YOLO-ME: an enhanced lightweight YOLOv7 Tiny model for efficient object detection in aerial imagery. Signal, Image and Video Processing, 18(6), 3121-3138.
  16. Olokede, S., Mohammad Zaki, S. B., Mahyuddin, N. M., & Ahmad, Z. A. (2026). Research and Design of a Low Phase-Noise Dielectric Resonator Oscillator for X-Band Radar Applications. Journal of Military Science and Technology, 109, 47-54.
  17. Mohammad Zaki, S. B., et al. (2025). Design and Evaluation of a Dual Co-Planar S/X-Band Metasurface Antenna for Nanosatellite Communications. Proceedings of the International Conference on Space Engineering Systems, 88-96.
  18. Mohammad Zaki, S. B., et al. (2024). Design of Space-based IoT System on Multiple Access Communication for Nanosatellite Applications. International Journal of Satellite Communications, 42(3), 215-230.