The UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has successfully launched the MBZ-SAT, the most advanced satellite in the region, named in honor of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The satellite was launched from the Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket on Tuesday at 11:09 PM (UAE time).
MBZ-SAT marks a key milestone in the UAE’s satellite development journey. It was entirely developed by Emirati engineers at MBRSC, showcasing significant progress in the country’s space technology capabilities. The satellite was announced in 2020 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, and was officially approved for launch in 2024 by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
Weighing 750 kg and measuring 3m x 5m, MBZ-SAT is a breakthrough in Earth observation technology. Its imaging system features one of the highest-resolution cameras available, delivering data transmission rates four times faster than existing systems. Additionally, the satellite is equipped with an advanced electric jet propulsion system, a highly accurate navigation system, and a star tracking system, ensuring unparalleled precision in positioning.
MBZ-SAT is designed to capture images with double the precision of previous models, while also increasing the image generation capacity by tenfold. Its integrated scheduling and processing system can deliver processed images within two hours of capture, making it a valuable tool for environmental monitoring, infrastructure management, and disaster relief. These capabilities will enable both local and international entities to make informed decisions based on real-time, accurate data.
The satellite will be operated and managed by MBRSC’s Mission Control Centre, with specialized teams overseeing operations and analyzing the data transmitted to Earth.
A significant portion of the satellite was manufactured locally, with UAE companies producing 90% of its mechanical structures and a large part of its electronic components. Companies like Strata, EPI, Rockford Xellerix, Halcon, Falcon, and EGA played pivotal roles in the construction process. This collaborative effort has strengthened the UAE’s space technology capabilities while transferring essential knowledge to local talent, ensuring the nation’s continued competitiveness in global space exploration.
Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of MBRSC, expressed gratitude to the leadership for their support and vision, which made this milestone possible. He emphasized that the successful launch of MBZ-SAT is just the beginning of a promising year at MBRSC, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in space exploration.
Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, celebrated the launch as a historic accomplishment that reinforces the UAE’s position as a global leader in space technology. He also emphasized the nation’s commitment to advancing its space capabilities, in line with the leadership’s vision to establish the UAE as a pioneering force in space exploration and technological innovation.
