MBZ-SAT, a satellite made in the UAE, approved for launch in October – News

The UAE is set to make a significant mark in the global space industry with the upcoming launch of the MBZ-SAT, an Earth-observation satellite named in honor of the UAE President. The satellite has been approved for launch, scheduled to take place no earlier than October 2024. This groundbreaking development further solidifies the UAE’s position as a key player in space technology.

The MBZ-SAT, the most advanced satellite in the region, will be launched on a SpaceX rocket, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, recently visited the headquarters of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) where he was briefed on the latest updates and upcoming phases of the MBZ-SAT project.

During the briefing, Sheikh Hamdan expressed his confidence in the Centre’s capabilities to enhance the Arab region’s stature in the global space industry through pioneering projects like the MBZ-SAT. He emphasized the transformative era in space exploration that the UAE is on the brink of, highlighting the country’s growing influence as a significant global contributor to space technology.

The upcoming phases of the MBZ-SAT project involve environmental testing to ensure the satellite’s resilience and functionality in space. Once the testing is successfully completed, final launch preparations will commence, leading to the deployment of the satellite into orbit.

The MBZ-SAT, fully developed and built by a team of Emirati engineers, represents a leap forward in technological prowess. With its powerful camera capable of capturing high-resolution images with unprecedented clarity, the satellite meets the growing commercial demand for high-resolution satellite images. This positions the UAE as a hub for high-tech space technology development and innovation.

The satellite will offer rapid turnaround of captured data round-the-clock, supporting a wide variety of uses such as mapping and analysis, environmental monitoring, navigation, infrastructure management, and disaster relief efforts. Operated and monitored from the Mission Control Centre at MBRSC, the MBZ-SAT will join the ranks of the UAE’s active satellites, significantly enhancing the capabilities of the Centre.

Overall, the launch of the MBZ-SAT marks a pivotal moment for the UAE in the field of space technology, showcasing the country’s commitment to innovation and its growing influence in the global space industry. With its advanced capabilities and potential for groundbreaking research, the MBZ-SAT is set to make a significant impact on the future of space exploration.