DubaiSat-1, the first remote sensing satellite developed by a UAE emirate,  has achieved optimal position in orbit around the Earth and has successfully connected with the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science & Technology’s (EIAST) earth observation station in Dubai.

The earth observation team is now working on DubaiSat-1’s calibration and data transfer processes before the satellite becomes fully operational, said a statement.

DubaiSat-1 was launched into space at 10:46 pm UAE time yesterday (July 29) from the launch pad/base in Baikonour in Kazakhstan by a Russian rocket under the supervision of UAE engineers and scientists.

EIAST confirmed UAE engineers and scientists at the Dubai earth observation station were able to stabilise DubaiSat-1 in its 680 km orbit at 3:30 am local time after the satellite completed two successful orbits of the Earth. The team has also remotely deployed the satellite’s solar panels, which will power DubaiSat-1 for the next five years.

Ahmed Al Mansoori, director general of EIAST, said: 'With the blessing of Allah, the launch process was completely successful, and DubaiSat-1 is now carrying the UAE’s flag into space. DubaiSat-1 is undoubtedly a sterling addition to the UAE’s strategic accomplishments and what we have achieved so far can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of our national engineers and scientists.”

“While the moon landing was a huge leap for humanity, DubaiSat-1 is a huge leap for the UAE’s science and technology initiatives, and for our nation’s aspirations,” Al Mansoori added.

UAE engineers and scientists are responsible for more than a third of the project’s implementation.

The launch of DubaiSat-1 will pave the way for additional space projects that highlight the UAE’s thought leadership in space technology research. The Wednesday launch marks the first time the UAE flag, emblazoned on a panel of the satellite, is in outer space.

“DubaiSat-1 is a stepping stone in the UAE’s attempt to create a sound infrastructure that enables the collection of space and earth observation data to power the comprehensive development of our nation,” Al Mansoori said. “The satellite highlights the commitment of EIAST to create a knowledge-based economy by leveraging advances in satellite technology. EIAST will play an instrumental role in promoting the culture of advanced scientific research and technology innovation in Dubai and the UAE, and in creating an internationally competitive base for human skills development. “

The launch of DubaiSat-1 consists of two segments: space and ground. The space segment comprises the development, design and manufacture of satellite equipment and components of the measurement and imaging.The ground segment includes the mission control station, image receiving and processing station, antenna and RF subsystem. Images from DubaiSat-1 can be used for a variety of applications from urban development, scientific research, telecommunications, transportation to civil engineering and constructions, mapping and GIS. – TradeArabia News Service