His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of Executive Council of Dubai, and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), has approved the launch of MBZ-SAT, scheduled no earlier than October 2024. This decision marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s journey in space exploration.
During his visit to the MBRSC headquarters, Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on the latest updates and upcoming phases of MBZ-SAT, the most advanced satellite in the region and the latest addition to the UAE Satellite Programme. Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of MBRSC, accompanied Sheikh Hamdan during the visit.
The briefing covered various aspects of the satellite’s development, its capabilities, and the strategic plan for its deployment. Sheikh Hamdan expressed confidence in the Centre’s capabilities to elevate the Arab region’s stature in the global space industry through pioneering projects like MBZ-SAT.
“We are on the brink of a transformative era in space exploration,” stated H.H. Sheikh Hamdan. “The upcoming launch of MBZ-SAT marks a pivotal moment that affirms the UAE’s growing influence as a significant global contributor to the field of space technology.”
“Guided by the vision of our wise leadership and strengthened by strategic partnerships, the UAE’s space sector is poised to extend its reach and enhance its capabilities further,” he added.
Following the successful development of MBZ-SAT, the next phase involves environmental testing to ensure its resilience and functionality in space’s harsh conditions. Once the testing is completed, final launch preparations will commence. The satellite is scheduled for launch on a SpaceX rocket in October 2024.
MBZ-SAT, fully developed and built by a team of Emirati engineers, represents a leap forward in technological prowess. The satellite’s development has significantly advanced the localisation of aerospace manufacturing in the region.
Equipped with one of the most powerful cameras developed in the region, MBZ-SAT can capture high-resolution images with clarity, positioning the UAE as a hub for high-tech space technology development and innovation.
The satellite’s imagery solution can support various applications within mapping, environmental monitoring, navigation, infrastructure management, and disaster relief efforts. Following its launch, MBZ-SAT will be operated and monitored from the Mission Control Centre at MBRSC.
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, remarked: “Today is a landmark moment for the UAE as we move closer to launching MBZ-SAT, under the wise leadership of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.”
Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, added: “With MBZ-SAT, we are not only launching a satellite; we are elevating our capabilities to meet the challenges of tomorrow and inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers.”
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