Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Sixteen years after the launch of DubaiSat-1, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) is set to launch the MBZ-SAT, the most advanced commercial satellite in the region in the field of high-resolution satellite imagery, this month.
Developed entirely in the UAE, the MBZ-SAT has completed final testing at SpaceX facilities and will be launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, US.
The MBZ-SAT will feature an automated system for 24/7 image scheduling and processing, ensuring top-quality satellite images for global use.
The MBZ-SAT camera offers 2x greater image accuracy, captures 10x more images, and transfers data 4x faster than conventional satellites, with processing completed in under 2 hours.
According to MBRSC, the MBZ-SAT will contribute to meeting the growing commercial demand for high-resolution satellite images that will show details within an area of less than one square meter, which will be one of the most advanced features ever.
In a post on Instagram, Hessa Ali, Deputy Project Manager for MBZ-SAT, said: "MBZ-SAT is a continuation of the satellites developed entirely at the MBRSC by Emirati engineers and experts. Upon its launch, it will become the most advanced satellite in the region, further solidifying the UAE's leading position in the space industry. Over 200 experts from various fields are working on MBZ-SAT, including engineers who design, assemble, and test the systems, alongside those who will operate the satellite after its launch. The team also comprises scientists who conduct practical research and an administrative team to ensure cooperation amongst the various groups."
Essa AlMehairi, Electrical Systems Manager for MBZ-SAT, highlighted MBZ-SAT's sustainability and reliability in space, in a post on Instagram.
"MBZ-SAT's electrical system comprises charging, regulation, and distribution boards along with solar panels and batteries. This system is characterised by a degree of modularity, allowing it to adapt to various specifications. Moreover, the electrical system has the capability to provide power through alternative methods in case of emergency. We utilise the solar panels to charge the batteries aboard MBZ-SAT when the satellite is facing the Sun. During periods when the satellite is not Sun-facing, we rely on the batteries that have been charged by the power generated from the solar panels," read the post.
The key objectives of MBZ-SAT are to develop the most advanced earth-observation satellite in the region, empower Emirati capabilities, enhance the sustainable ecosystem for the Emirati space sector, strengthen the UAE's position in global space technology development, as well as improve the quality of life across various sectors.
Ammar AlMehairi, Ground Systems Development Manager for MBZ-SAT, elaborated on the ground systems on MBRSC's Instagram account.
"Ground systems communicate with the satellite and monitor its status and software. Through these systems, we send commands to capture images and download data. We then process and enhance the acquired information."
Amer AlGhaferi, Project Manager for MBZ-SAT, stressed the strategic goal of fostering partnerships with the private sector in the UAE.
"One of the most important strategic aims of the mission was to create partnerships with the private sector in the UAE. This partnership has confirmed the growth of the UAE's industry and capabilities. This resulted in the manufacture of more than 90% of the mechanical subsystems and over 50% of electronic subsystems."
AlGhaferi added that the MBZ-SAT demonstrates sustainability through seamless collaboration with partners such as Strata, Halcon, Falcon, Rockford Xellerix, EPI, EGA and Gulf Extrusions.
