Dubai: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) today announced that MBZ-SAT, the most advanced satellite in the region, is scheduled to launch later tonight with a 27-minute window opening at 10:49 PM (UAE time) from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. The date and time are subject to change depending on weather and other operational conditions. If required, there is a back opportunity on Wednesday, 15 January at the same time.
The Centre had earlier announced that the MBZ-SAT team had completed final tests at the SpaceX facilities, USA, with the satellite integrated on to the Falcon 9 rocket.
The satellite, named in honour of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE was announced by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in 2020 and was officially approved for launch by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and President of MBRSC, earlier last year.
MBZ-SAT, fully developed by Emirati engineers at MBRSC, represents a milestone in the UAE’s space exploration journey, showcasing cutting-edge Earth observation capabilities. With a total mass of 750 kg, and dimensions of 3m x 5m, that satellite has twice the imaging accuracy of its predecessors, ten times more imagery, and rapid data delivery within two hours. Equipped with advanced electric propulsion, precise navigation, and a high-resolution camera, it can deliver precision in imaging locations, which supports applications like environmental monitoring, infrastructure management, and disaster relief. The satellite’s development, in collaboration with UAE-based companies has also driven economic growth and knowledge transfer, strengthening the nation’s aerospace ecosystem and global competitiveness in space technology.
Once operational in low Earth orbit, MBZ-SAT will be managed from the Mission Control Centre at MBRSC, with teams monitoring its operations and analysing data transmitted back to Earth.
ABOUT MOHAMMED BIN RASHID SPACE CENTRE (MBSRC):
MBRSC is an advanced scientific and technological hub, responsible for making the UAE a world leader in space services and exploration.
Established in 2006, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) started out with five engineers, who took it upon themselves to develop their capabilities and expand their knowledge in the field of space, relying on strong will and solid determination. Since then, the Centre has continued its journey to be the incubator of the UAE National Space Programme. The MBRSC is home to the Satellite Development Programme, UAE Astronaut Programme, Mars 2117 Programme and Emirates Mars Mission, among others. Under its satellite programme, the Centre has built, developed, and operated several Earth observation satellites, including DubaiSat-1, DubaiSat-2 and KhalifaSat, the first satellite that was fully built by Emiratis in 2018. The Centre has also developed MBZ-SAT, the most advanced satellite in the region, which will be launched in January 2025.
MBRSC is also developing the Emirates Airlock, a crew and science airlock module for the Gateway lunar space station, humanity’s first international outpost to orbit the Moon. Additionally, the UAE will also be sending an Emirati astronaut on a Moon mission. Under the UAE Astronaut Programme, MBRSC currently has four astronauts, two of who have undertaken missions to the International Space Station, including the longest Arab space mission in history by H.E. Dr. Sultan Saif AlNeyadi. The Mars 2117 Programme includes the Emirates Lunar Mission, UAE Analog Programme and Space Ventures.
