MBRSC Final Preparations Underway for MBZ-SAT Launch

Post by: Layla Badr

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has announced that the final preparations are now underway for the launch of MBZ-SAT, the most advanced satellite ever built in the region. This announcement was made at a press conference held at MBRSC’s headquarters in Dubai, which was attended by key officials, including H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri, the Director General of MBRSC, Amer AlSayegh AlGhaferi, the Project Manager of MBZ-SAT, and Hessa Ali Hussain, the Deputy Project Manager of MBZ-SAT. They were joined by the satellite’s development team.

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The idea for the MBZ-SAT project was first introduced in 2020 by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai. He named the satellite in honor of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE. The Earth-observation satellite was officially approved for launch by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and President of MBRSC, in the past year.

After being developed in the UAE, MBZ-SAT was sent to the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) in South Korea. There, it underwent a series of environmental tests to ensure it could survive the extreme conditions of space. These tests included Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing, Vibration testing, Acoustic testing, and Mass Properties testing. Once these tests were completed, the satellite was transported to the launch site at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, where preparations for the launch are now taking place.

H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, shared, “As we approach the launch of MBZ-SAT, this project shows the UAE’s dedication to progress and innovation. It’s not just a technological achievement; it’s a sign of our nation’s determination to lead in space science and contribute to the global space community. Every step forward in this project empowers future generations to dream bigger and achieve more in space science, benefiting our country, and region, and supporting sustainable development on Earth.”

MBZ-SAT, which was developed by Emirati engineers at MBRSC, is a major milestone in the UAE’s space journey. The satellite is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, marking a new chapter in the country’s commitment to space exploration and global collaboration. It will provide highly accurate Earth observation images, capturing data that is twice as precise as earlier satellites and generating ten times more imagery. Thanks to its automated system, these images will be processed and delivered in less than two hours. This technology will be helpful for applications such as monitoring the environment, disaster response, and managing infrastructure.
The satellite is also equipped with advanced electric propulsion, a navigation system with one-meter accuracy, and a star tracking system, ensuring unparalleled precision. Its high-resolution camera and faster data transfer speeds, four times quicker than current systems, will provide high-quality imaging for various uses, further enhancing the capabilities of Earth observation.

The development of MBZ-SAT has also helped build the UAE’s local aerospace industry, creating job opportunities and promoting economic growth. Nearly 90% of the satellite’s mechanical structures, along with much of its electronics, were developed in collaboration with UAE-based companies such as Strata, EPI, Rockford Xellerix, Halcon, Falcon, and EGA. These partnerships have not only enhanced the UAE’s capabilities in space technology but also ensured that critical knowledge and skills are passed on to the country’s workforce, providing the nation with a competitive advantage in global space exploration.

Amer AlSayegh AlGhaferi, the Project Manager for MBZ-SAT, commented, “As we get ready for the launch of MBZ-SAT, this satellite stands as a benchmark in both technical innovation and precision engineering. Designed with one of the most advanced imaging systems, MBZ-SAT will provide high-resolution data with exceptional accuracy and speed. It’s a significant leap forward in Earth observation, with applications across many sectors, including environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster management.”

Once MBZ-SAT is in orbit, it will be controlled and monitored from MBRSC’s Mission Control Centre. The team there will manage the satellite’s operations and analyze the data it sends back to Earth. The launch of MBZ-SAT is a significant milestone in the UAE’s ambitious space program and further establishes the country’s reputation as a leader in space technology and sustainable innovation.

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