Hamdan Bin Mohammed Approves MBZ-SAT For Launch, Marking A Milestone In UAE's Space Endeavours

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, has approved the launch of MBZ-SAT no earlier than October 2024. This marks a significant milestone in the UAE's space endeavours. The approval was given during his visit to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).

During the visit, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on the latest updates and upcoming phases of MBZ-SAT, the most advanced satellite in the region. He was accompanied by Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of MBRSC. The briefing covered the satellite's development, capabilities, and strategic deployment plan.

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H.H. Sheikh Hamdan expressed confidence in MBRSC’s ability to enhance 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," he said. "Guided by 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 further visited the clean room holding MBZ-SAT and signed a plaque bearing the satellite's logo. During this visit, he engaged with the development team and was updated on the technical details and objectives of MBZ-SAT.

The next phase involves environmental testing to ensure MBZ-SAT’s resilience and functionality in space conditions. Once this phase is completed, final launch preparations will commence. The satellite is scheduled for launch on a SpaceX rocket no earlier than October 2024.

MBZ-SAT is fully developed and built by Emirati engineers, representing a leap forward in technological prowess. The satellite has played a key role in enhancing the sustainable space economy in the UAE by involving local companies in manufacturing nearly 90% of its mechanical structures and most of its electronic modules.

Equipped with one of the most powerful cameras ever developed in the region, MBZ-SAT can capture high-resolution images with unprecedented clarity, covering areas less than one square metre in size. This capability meets growing commercial demand for high-resolution satellite images and positions the UAE as a hub for high-tech space technology development.

The Centre will offer rapid turnaround of captured data round-the-clock, sharing it globally through an advanced system. This imagery solution supports various uses within mapping and analysis, environmental monitoring, navigation, infrastructure management, and disaster relief efforts.

Operational Plans

Following its launch, MBZ-SAT will be operated and monitored from MBRSC’s Mission Control Centre. The advanced Earth-observation satellite will join other active satellites in enhancing MBRSC’s capabilities.

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, stated, "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." He added that this achievement reflects the innovative spirit driving the nation.

Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, said, "Under H.H. Sheikh Hamdan’s guidance, MBZ-SAT has flourished, reflecting our nation's ambitious drive to pioneer advanced space technologies." He emphasised that their focus remains on harnessing space science to benefit humanity and support sustainable development on Earth.

With inputs from WAM