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UAE Launches Its Most-Advanced Satellite MBZ-SAT

The UAE's Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has
announced the successful launch of MBZ-SAT, the most advanced
satellite in the region, named in honor of President His Highness
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. MBRSC announced that
the MBZ-SAT was launched from the Space Launch Complex 4E
(SLC-4E) at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA,
aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. MBZ-SAT marks a significant
milestone in the UAE's satellite development journey, having been
fully developed entirely by Emirati engineers at MBRSC, said a
WAM news agency report. The satellite was announced in 2020
by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice
President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. The satellite was
officially approved for launch last year by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan
bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai,
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and President
of MBRSC. Weighing 750 kg with dimensions of 3m x 5m, MBZ-
SAT represents a significant advancement in Earth observation
technology. The satellite's technical specifications demonstrate
substantial improvements across all systems. Its imaging
system also consists of one of the highest resolution cameras
with improved data transmission rates - four times faster than
existing systems. It is also equipped with an advanced electric
jet propulsion system, a navigation system accurate to one
meter, and a star tracking system that allows for unparalleled
precision in positioning capabilities. These capabilities position
MBZ-SAT as a significant advancement in Earth observation
technology, providing valuable data for both research and practical
applications. The satellite will be able to capture images with
double the precision of previous models while increasing image
generation capacity tenfold. This improvement comes from its
integrated scheduling and processing system, which can deliver mission that is the launch of MBZ-SAT, which has given a positive
processed images within two hours of capture. The satellite will start to a busy and promising year at MBRSC. I extend my heartfelt
serve multiple functions, including supporting environmental congratulations to the entire team at MBRSC whose dedication,
monitoring, infrastructure management, and disaster relief. These expertise, and hard work have made this milestone possible.
features allow local and international entities to make informed This achievement is more than a testament to our capabilities—it
decisions based on current, accurate data. The satellite will be is a signal of what lies ahead for the UAE in the realm of space
operated and managed by the Mission Control Centre at MBRSC, exploration. Each mission builds on the last, paving the way for
with specialized teams handling operations and analyzing the data groundbreaking advancements and cementing the UAE’s role as
transmitted to Earth. Local manufacturing played a crucial role in a leader in shaping the future of space science and technology.”
the satellite, with UAE companies producing 90% of the satellite's Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman, MBRSC, said: “Under the
mechanical structures and a significant portion of the electronic guidance of our leadership, we have succeeded in launching
components. Companies like Strata, EPI, Rockford Xellerix, Halcon, MBZ-SAT. This historic accomplishment demonstrates the UAE's
Falcon, and EGA contributed their expertise to various aspects advancement in space technology and reinforces our position as a
of the satellite's construction. This collaborative approach has global leader in the sector. The achievement also underscores our
strengthened the UAE’s space technology capabilities while commitment to elevating the nation's standing in the international
transferring vital knowledge and skills to local talent—ensuring the space arena, while showcasing the collective expertise of Emiratis
nation maintains its competitive edge in global space exploration. who are dedicated to realizing our leadership's ambitious vision.
Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President, MBRSC, said: “We We will continue working on missions to enhance our space
extend our deepest gratitude to our leadership for their unwavering capabilities, advancing the leadership's strategic objective of
support and vision, which have been instrumental in achieving establishing the UAE as a pioneering force in space exploration
this milestone. We are proud to announce yet another successful and technological innovation.”
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