The UAE’s most advanced Earth-imaging satellite, MBZ-SAT, was successfully launched into space on Tuesday, January 14, at 11:09 PM local time from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, US.
This marks a significant achievement for the nation’s space industry as MBZ-SAT becomes the second Emirati-built satellite to enter Earth’s orbit.
The satellite was carried aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, alongside the compact CubeSat HCT-SAT 1.
Weighing 750 kilograms and measuring 3 meters by 5 meters, MBZ-SAT is equipped with cutting-edge technology that promises to revolutionize Earth observation capabilities.
According to Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the satellite reflects the UAE’s dedication to innovation and global humanitarian service.
He emphasized that MBZ-SAT would contribute significantly to the country’s development and sustainability initiatives.
The satellite boasts enhanced capabilities, including twice the image resolution, ten times more images, and data transmission speeds four times faster than existing systems.
These improvements are expected to support a variety of applications, such as environmental monitoring, infrastructure management, and disaster relief.
Its advanced electric propulsion and precise navigation systems ensure that the satellite will deliver high-resolution images with remarkable accuracy, particularly in areas such as water quality assessment and agricultural development.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the grandson of the Dubai Ruler, was among the key figures who witnessed the liftoff from the mission control center in Dubai.
The first signal from MBZ-SAT is expected to be received about an hour after the launch. Mohammed AlBlooshi, Director of Space Operations at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), explained that the primary tasks post-launch will include data transfer and image processing.
The satellite’s low-Earth orbit, approximately 500 kilometers above Earth, allows for regular communication with the ground station, with each contact lasting about 10 minutes.
The successful launch was facilitated through SpaceX’s rideshare program, a cost-effective alternative to traditional launch services. Originally scheduled for an October 2024 launch, MBZ-SAT’s deployment faced delays due to technical issues that grounded the rocket.
The SpaceX rideshare program, which launched in 2019, has already enabled the deployment of over 200 satellites, providing more affordable access to space for various countries and organizations.
In addition to MBZ-SAT, the student-built CubeSat project, HCT-SAT 1, also exemplifies the UAE’s investment in cultivating the next generation of space pioneers.
The CubeSat project is part of the country’s commitment to space exploration and the development of its aerospace ecosystem.
The development of MBZ-SAT, largely carried out by UAE-based companies, also strengthens the nation’s space industry and global competitiveness in space technology.
Over 90% of the satellite was built in the UAE, with collaboration from private sector firms such as Strata, Falcon Group, Edge Group’s EPI, Halcon, and Rockford Xellerix.
As part of the national pride surrounding this achievement, the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, was illuminated on the evening of the launch to symbolize the country’s innovation and aspirations in space exploration.
With MBZ-SAT now in orbit, the UAE joins the ranks of leading nations in space technology, signaling a new era of scientific progress and international cooperation.