The successful launch of “Mohamed bin Zayed Sat”, the most advanced satellite in the region

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, during his visit to the control center at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, yesterday, witnessed the launch of “Mohammed bin Zayed Sat”, the most advanced satellite in the region, which bears the name of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, at 11:09 pm UAE time.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center announced the successful launch of the “Mohamed bin Zayed Sat” satellite from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, United States of America, aboard a “Falcon 9” rocket. The most advanced satellite is a major step in the UAE’s journey in the field of space exploration, as it It was completely developed by Emirati hands at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.

The Mohammed bin Zayed Sat satellite represents a milestone in the UAE’s march in the field of satellite development, as it was developed by a team of Emirati engineers at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, after it was announced in 2020 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, while His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, approved Head of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, the satellite was launched in May last year.

Technological leap

With a weight of 750 kilograms, and dimensions of up to 3 x 5 metres, the “Mohammed bin Zayed Sat” satellite represents a qualitative leap in Earth observation technologies. The satellite is distinguished by comprehensive development in all its systems, including the imaging system, which includes one of the most accurate cameras in the world. In addition to the speed of transferring data four times faster compared to current capabilities, it also has an advanced electrical propulsion system, which helps it provide high-resolution images, in addition to accurate data to support research and practical applications.

The satellite is capable of taking images with a resolution much higher than current capabilities, with an increase in image production by 10 times, and it relies on an integrated scheduling and processing system, which allows the processed images to be delivered within two hours from the time they are taken. The satellite contributes in many areas, such as Monitoring the environment, managing infrastructure, and supporting humanitarian efforts in disaster situations, allowing local and international agencies to make accurate decisions based on up-to-date and reliable data.

Strengthening the national space sector

The Mohammed bin Zayed Sat satellite contributed to enhancing the economic growth of the UAE through cooperation with local companies. 90% of the mechanical structures of the satellite were produced within the country, in addition to a large portion of the electronic components, and prominent Emirati companies participated in this project. Such as Strata, EBI, Rockford Zelrex, Halken, Falcon, and Emirates Global Aluminum, which provided their expertise in the various stages of manufacturing, and this cooperation contributes to strengthening the UAE’s capabilities in the field of… Space technology also works to transfer specialized skills and knowledge to national cadres, which strengthens the UAE’s position as a major competitor in the global space sector.

A historic achievement

Vice President of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, Lieutenant General Talal Humaid Belhoul, said: “All thanks to our wise leadership for their continued support and insightful vision, which was the cornerstone in achieving this great achievement. Today we are proud to announce the success of a new mission, which is the launch of the satellite (Mohammed bin Rashid) ZayedSat, to be the best start to a new year full of promising achievements at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre. This achievement is not just evidence of our competencies, but rather an indication of what the future holds for the UAE. In the field of space exploration, each new mission paves the way for pioneering achievements that consolidate the UAE’s position as a leading force in shaping the future of space science and technology.”

Hamad Obaid Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center, said: “Thanks to the vision of our wise leadership, we succeeded in launching the (Mohammed bin Zayed Sat) satellite, which represents a historic achievement that reflects the great development achieved by the UAE in the space sector, and confirms its continued leadership.” In this field globally, this achievement also reflects our firm commitment to strengthening the country’s position in the global space race, and it also reflects the combined efforts of the people of the Emirates who spare no effort in achieving the aspirations of… “The wise leadership, we continue to work hard to enhance our space capabilities, which contributes to achieving the vision of the wise leadership that aims to move the UAE to new heights in the fields of space and innovation.”

Leadership support

For his part, Director General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, Salem Humaid Al Marri, said: “We are grateful to our wise leadership for their continuous support and wise vision, which was a major motivation behind this great achievement. The launch of the satellite (Mohammed bin Zayed Sat) is a turning point in the history of the space industry.” Emirates, as it reflects the level of excellence that the country has reached in this field. The satellite was developed in accordance with the highest international standards, and with the participation of distinguished Emirati efforts on the part of local Emirati companies, This embodies our continued keenness to be at the forefront of countries contributing to advancing global innovation. The Mohammed bin Zayed Sat satellite is not just a technical project, but rather a platform for developing innovative technological solutions that contribute to improving the quality of life, and keeping pace with our great aspirations in serving humanity.”

National project

In a related context, the director of the Mohammed bin Zayed Sat project, Amer Al Sayegh Al Ghafri, pointed out that “the satellite (Mohamed bin Zayed Sat) is the result of a continuous collective effort from a team of Emirati engineers, who worked with determination and dedication to make this great national project a success, in cooperation with… National local companies, and we at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, believe that this satellite will constitute a milestone in many vital fields, such as monitoring the environment, developing infrastructure solutions, in addition to supporting relief operations in emergency situations. Disasters and the satellite also represent an important step towards employing advanced space technologies to improve the lives of individuals and communities, and embody our continued commitment to providing technological solutions that contribute to achieving sustainable development and enhancing the well-being of humanity.”

The satellite will be operated and managed by the Mission Control Center at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, where specialized teams will work to manage operations and analyze data sent from the satellite to Earth.

. The Mohammed bin Zayed Sat satellite represents a milestone in the UAE’s march in the field of satellite development, as it was developed by a team of Emirati engineers at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.

. The satellite features advanced capabilities that allow capturing images with double accuracy compared to current capabilities, and increasing image production by 10 times.