DubaiSat-1 turned six years old today, and the remote sensing satellite marked the occasion by taking high quality images of Burj Khalifa and Emirates Towers areas.  

Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, director general of Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) , expressed his pride in the fact that Emirati engineers participated in 30 per cent of the building tasks at the manufacturing stage, and that they have been fully responsible for its operations ever since.

“Today, six years after its launch, the satellite remains accurate and maintains regular operations to date. This is a proof of the capabilities of the UAE’s engineers and the ability of the Centre to leverage the latest research and information in advanced technology and transform it into a satellite, thereby empowering the credibility of the Emirates in space science.

"Since the successful launch of DubaiSat-1, MBRSC has proven its ability and advancement in space science and continues to strengthen the position of the UAE as a global leader in this science, via ambitious projects that create value for our country, the scientific community, and humanity," he said.

Salem Al Marri, assistant director general for Scientific and Technical affairs at MBRSC, who was also DubaiSat-1 project manager, added: "DubaiSat-1 project was the starting point of the UAE's journey in space sciences and satellite manufacturing industry. This was evident in two important factors, the first being the launch of the satellite itself, and the second being sending a group of Emirati engineers to South Korea, forging strategic partnerships with specialized companies in the field to transfer knowledge and experience in the field. We are today fully capable of manufacturing satellites with 100 per cent Emirati workforce, and our human capital is taking the lead in all steps of the Hope Probe project.

“DubaiSat-1 was the first step towards larger projects such as KhalifaSat and Hope Probe".

DubaiSat-1 is still performing at the peak of its abilities, and is currently in its sun-synchronous polar orbit, 682 km above the Earth’s surface.

The satellite is fitted with systems and applications that help in urban planning, monitoring various environmental changes, assessing climate changes, like sand storms and fog, identifying the quality of water in the region and monitoring the tide in addition to supporting assistance and disaster relief missions.

MBRSC is a Dubai Government entity which aims to promote scientific innovation and technology advancement in Dubai and the UAE. - TradeArabia News Service

Among the most prominent tasks entrusted to the Centre are the design, implementation, and supervision of all phases of launching the “Hope Probe” to explore Mars. The Centre is also responsible for all projects related to satellite technology and applications and specialized projects, and advanced technical projects assigned to stakeholders. Also, the Centre provides space imaging and earth station services and support to other satellite services.– TradeArabia News Service