The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) successfully launched its Dubai Sat-2 into outer space on November 21. The satellite lifted off from the Yasny Launch Base in Russia, using the Russian Dnepr rocket launcher in co-operation with the Russian International Space Company (Kozmotras), under the supervision of EIAST representatives and team of engineers.
According to EIAST, the UAE team of engineers at the ground station was able to communicate directly with Dubai Sat-2, which entered orbit 15 minutes and 33 seconds after its launch and accurately determined the path of the satellite. The bird, equipped with an electrical propulsion system, has automatically deployed the solar panels that represent the main source of power needed to run the satellite systems during its presence in outer space, which extends to five years from the date of launch. The satellite makes one full orbit around the earth in 96 minutes with 60% of its time facing the sun light.
Yousuf Al Shaibani, EIAST’s Director General, says: “We take great pride in this new accomplishment, which highlights Dubai’s great development in terms of building national UAE capacities in the space field — a feat that remains true to the vision of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, of transforming UAE into a pioneering nation.
“The success of launching Dubai Sat-2 into outer space is the cultivation of years of vision and hard work to achieve future aspirations to make the UAE a global hub for building satellites and a leading center for space technology.”
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