MBRSC Releases First Images From MBZ-SAT And Etihad-SAT, Enhancing UAE's Satellite Imaging Capabilities

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has unveiled the initial images from MBZ-SAT and Etihad-SAT, aligning with World Space Week 2025. This achievement enhances the UAE's satellite imaging capabilities, providing top-tier Earth observation data for various applications. World Space Week, recognised by the United Nations General Assembly, highlights space science and technology's contributions to human advancement.

MBZ-SAT and Etihad-SAT offer distinct yet complementary technologies for a comprehensive Earth view. MBZ-SAT, named after President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was launched in January 2025. It is the region’s most advanced optical imaging satellite. Etihad-SAT, launched in March 2025, is MBRSC’s first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, capturing data in any weather or lighting conditions.

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The satellites provide consistent high-resolution data supporting sectors like disaster management, smart agriculture, and infrastructure development. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, stated that releasing these images reflects the leadership's strategic vision and Emirati engineers' dedication. Combining optical and radar technologies allows the UAE to offer innovative solutions to global challenges and solidifies its pioneering role in space technology.

Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director-General of MBRSC, noted that these satellites are part of a unified national capability in satellite development and Earth observation. He emphasised that this release demonstrates the Centre’s ability to deliver reliable data across multiple domains and its commitment to developing new-generation satellites for the UAE and beyond.

MBZ-SAT weighs 750 kilograms and measures 3m x 5m. Developed by Emirati engineers, 90 percent of its mechanical structures were manufactured locally. It features one of the region’s highest-resolution cameras, capturing images with double the precision of previous models. Its systems include an advanced electric propulsion unit and a star-tracking navigation system with metre-level accuracy.

The satellite also boasts data transmission rates four times faster than earlier generations. Its scheduling and processing capabilities enable image delivery within two hours of capture, improving efficiency tenfold. The project involved partnerships with UAE-based companies such as Strata, EPI, Rockford Xellerix, Halcon, Falcon, and EGA, enhancing local industrial expertise.

Etihad-SAT Capabilities

Etihad-SAT is MBRSC's first SAR satellite using radar to capture high-resolution images regardless of atmospheric conditions or time of day. It operates in three imaging modes — spot, scan and strip — allowing detailed monitoring for applications like maritime navigation, oil spill detection, disaster response, and precision farming.

The data is processed using artificial intelligence systems to enhance accuracy and speed for government agencies, researchers, and private sector users. Developed with support from South Korea’s Satrec Initiative, the project facilitated significant knowledge transfer to Emirati teams.

With these initial images from both satellites now available, MBRSC reaffirms its mission to build a diversified fleet offering complementary capabilities. The integration of optical and radar imaging underscores the UAE’s expanding role as a global leader in space technology. This provides advanced satellite imagery supporting efforts to tackle challenges like climate change, food security, and sustainable urban development worldwide.

With inputs from WAM