Key Takeaways:
- Successful Launch: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) successfully launched Etihad-SAT, its first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite.
- Advanced Imaging: Etihad-SAT features advanced SAR technology, providing high-resolution images in all weather conditions, day or night.
- Strategic Partnership: The satellite was developed in partnership with South Korea’s Satrec Initiative, emphasizing knowledge transfer and technology localization.
The United Arab Emirates has marked a significant achievement in its space exploration endeavors with the successful launch of Etihad-SAT, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre’s (MBRSC) inaugural Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite. The launch took place from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket at 10:43 AM (UAE time).
Confirmation of the satellite’s successful deployment was received at the ground station in Dubai at 12:04 PM (UAE time), when the first signal from Etihad-SAT was detected. This milestone represents a major advancement in MBRSC’s Satellite Development Programme, as Etihad-SAT is the first of its kind equipped with SAR imaging technology.
Etihad-SAT’s advanced capabilities will significantly enhance the UAE’s Earth observation capabilities, providing high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions. This achievement reinforces the UAE’s commitment to developing innovative space solutions.
The development of Etihad-SAT was made possible through a strategic partnership with South Korea’s Satrec Initiative.MBRSC’s team played a leading role in the technical specifications, preliminary design, and technical validation phases, ensuring adherence to the highest global standards. In the later stages, MBRSC engineers took the lead in finalizing the design and manufacturing, in line with the center’s commitment to enhancing national space capabilities through knowledge transfer and the localization of advanced technologies.
“The UAE is steadily advancing towards strengthening its position among the leading nations in space science and technology,” stated Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President, MBRSC. “Etihad-SAT represents a strategic step in enhancing our Earth observation capabilities and gathering critical data that supports sustainable development.”
Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman, MBRSC, added, “The successful launch of Etihad-SAT is a testament to the support and vision of our leadership, reflecting the progress the UAE is making in the space sector.”
Ee-Eul Kim, CEO & President, Satrec Initiative, congratulated the UAE on the successful launch, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in advancing space technology.
Etihad-SAT’s integration of radar imaging technology with existing optical satellite capabilities marks a technological leap for MBRSC’s satellite fleet. The satellite offers three imaging modes: spot mode, scan mode, and strip mode, making it a powerful tool for various industries, including oil spill detection, natural disaster management, maritime navigation, smart agriculture, and environmental monitoring. The data collected by Etihad-SAT will be processed using AI technology to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
SAR technology’s ability to capture high-resolution images regardless of weather conditions, time of day, or atmospheric interference makes it a crucial tool for consistent and uninterrupted data collection.
Etihad-SAT will be operated and managed by MBRSC’s Mission Control Centre, with specialized teams overseeing operations and analyzing the data transmitted back to Earth. Sources and related content
