MBRSC's First Synthetic Aperture Radar Satellite, Etihad-SAT, Set For Launch Tomorrow From California

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has announced the launch of its first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, Etihad-SAT. Scheduled for 15th March, the satellite will be launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA. The Falcon 9 rocket will carry it into space at 10:39 UAE time. Weather and operational conditions could affect the timing.

Etihad-SAT was developed through a strategic partnership with Korea’s Satrec Initiative. MBRSC's team led the technical specifications phase before moving to design and validation stages. This ensured compliance with global standards. The engineers then collaborated with Satrec Initiative to finalise the design and manufacturing process.

Equipped with advanced SAR technology, Etihad-SAT can observe Earth with high precision under any weather or environmental conditions, day or night. It offers three imaging modes: spot mode for high-resolution imaging of small areas, scan mode for wide-area coverage, and strip mode for extended observation of longer regions.

The satellite's capabilities make it valuable for various industries. It can detect oil spills, manage natural disasters, enhance maritime navigation, support smart agriculture, and conduct environmental monitoring. The data collected will be processed using AI-powered technologies to maximise its utility.

After launch, MBRSC’s Mission Control Centre will manage Etihad-SAT's operations. Specialised teams will oversee the satellite's functions and analyse data transmitted from space to Earth. This ensures that the information gathered is effectively utilised for various applications.

Live coverage of the mission launch will start at 10:15 UAE time on MBRSC’s website: https://live.mbrsc.ae. This allows interested parties to follow the event as it unfolds in real-time.

This development aligns with MBRSC’s commitment to enhancing national space capabilities through knowledge transfer and localisation of advanced technologies. By collaborating internationally and focusing on local expertise, MBRSC aims to strengthen its position in the global space industry.

With inputs from WAM