Dubai-based Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has completed the design for the KhalifaSat Engineering Model (EM) in addition to the software and systems within the satellite (Critical Design Review).

This is the penultimate step prior to the manufacturing of the flight model of KhalifaSat, scheduled for launch in 2018 on MHI’s H-IIA launch vehicle, owned by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

In addition to the flight model of KhalifaSat, Emirati engineers will commence the development of the ground station programs that will manage all post launch communication with the satellite.

MBRSC director general Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani said that the completion of the final design of the EM by the KhalifaSat team is a major milestone and that it is an achievement for the entire satellite manufacturing sector in the UAE.

“The success of Emirati engineers in leading and executing this project is a testament to the skills they gained from the previous two projects, especially since KhalifaSat is the first practical step in manufacturing an Emirati satellite built by Emirati expertise in Space Technology Laboratories in Dubai,” he added.

He also stated that the MBRSC is laying a strong foundation to enhance the UAE space sector’s competitiveness on regional and global levels, in a manner that accelerates Dubai and UAE’s leading position in the space industry.

The KhalifaSat project includes seven space innovations ranging from enhancements to the digital camera with an enhanced light meter for better image resolution and developing techniques to increase image download and communication speed with the satellite anywhere in the world.

Further enhancements include the development of satellite positioning techniques that allow capturing a higher number of 3D images, a target positioning system which makes the satellite one of the best satellites in the world for providing high-quality images, with high-speed response and an accurate location system.

KhalifaSat innovations also include the development of an automatic satellite control system through upgrading the primary satellite computer’s operating system and increasing its storage capacity. – TradeArabia News Service