Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) is celebrating the successful launch of its first synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite, Etihad-SAT, on Saturday.
The high-resolution satellite, launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, US, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket at 10.43am (UAE time), received the first signal from the satellite at 12.04pm the same day.
In a post on MBRSC’s social media platforms, Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of MBRSC, said, “The synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite, Etihad-SAT, marks a new success for the Emirati space sector. This achievement, led by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre’s team, has been made possible due to the steadfast support of our leadership and the dedication of our youth in their pursuit of excellence.”
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, said, “The launch of the Etihad-SAT mission reaffirms the ongoing advancement of the UAE space sector, driven by our commitment to adopting new technologies and enhancing the expertise of our Emirati cadres.”
Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General of MBRSC, in a social media post, said, “Congratulations to the Etihad-SAT mission team for their efforts. Today marks the beginning of an important phase in our satellite development journey and the valuable data it will deliver.”
On the satellite’s technological features, Abdulrahman AlMheiri, Radar Subsystems Expert for Etihad-SAT, explained, “Etihad-SAT features several advanced technological capabilities, including providing high-resolution images and the ability to scan vast areas day and night, regardless of adverse weather conditions such as cloud cover, fog and dust storms. These features make the satellite ideally suited for serving various sectors.”
Amer AlSayegh AlGhaferi, Assistant Director General of the Aerospace Engineering Sector at MBRSC, stated, “One of the key aspects of the space missions we launch is serving development on Earth. We always focus on innovation in the technologies we use to provide valuable data. Therefore, we are launching Etihad-SAT, MBRSC’s first synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite, in partnership with Satrec Initiative from South Korea.”
AlGhaferi noted that SAR satellites provide distinct data compared to conventional satellite types.
“SAR technology is especially valuable for disaster monitoring and management as it provides precise data on the elevation of buildings and other structures on the ground. Other applications include monitoring environmental changes and vegetation coverage. SAR satellites also help overcome challenges in obtaining data under difficult weather conditions like clouds and rain,” he said.
He added that SAR data enables high-quality imagery, oil spill monitoring, and vessel tracking to identify responsible ships.
Asmaa Al Janaahi, Specialist in the Image Processing Section, said, “Etihad-SAT transmits electromagnetic radar waves towards Earth, which strike various materials and bounce back. The reflectance varies between different materials based on their physical properties. When these waves are reflected back to the satellite, the data is collected and analysed using artificial intelligence to generate high-resolution imagery. This process works effectively in diverse weather conditions and even at night.”
According to Abdullah Harmoul, Project Manager for Etihad-SAT, the satellite provides data that benefits various sectors.
“For instance, it assists the maritime sector by monitoring oil spills, supports the agriculture sector, and plays a crucial role in natural disaster management. We have launched this satellite to support the diversification of MBRSC’s satellite technologies and to serve development both within the UAE and across the world,” he said.
Abulrahman AlShamsi, Electronic Subsystems Expert at Etihad-SAT, said, “The electronic system we developed for Etihad-SAT generates the radar waves through which we can scan Earth. This system also controls the intensity of the radar waves to ensure precision in both transmission and reception.”
Etihad-SAT Fact File
In terms of technical capabilities, Etihad-SAT is one of the highest resolution SAR satellites in the region.
It offers multiple imaging modes, including 24/7 imaging, rapid data processing supported by AI, as well as all-weather performance.
Weighing 220kg, the satellite operates in a low Earth orbit at 500km with dimensions of 3.5m x 1m x 1.4m.
Unlike optical satellites that capture light waves from the sun, SAR satellites transmit electromagnetic radar waves towards Earth’s surface.
These waves backscatter, allowing the satellite to provide detailed mapping and measurements of monitored areas.
The satellite has three capturing modes, namely: spot mode (high-resolution capturing, intended for very small areas), scan mode (wide-area coverage intended for large regions), and strip mode (extended observation for longer regions).
Developed in strategic partnership with South Korea’s Satrec Initiative, MBRSC’s team took the lead in technical specifications and finalised the design and manufacturing of the satellite.
