Image source: MBZ-SAT
The UAE is set to make another giant leap in space technology tonight as MBZ-SAT, the region’s most advanced commercial satellite, launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
The launch is scheduled for 10:49 PM UAE time aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
You can watch the launch on the live stream below:
What is MBZ-SAT?
Developed entirely by Emirati engineers at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), MBZ-SAT is a 750kg Earth observation satellite designed to deliver high-resolution images with unprecedented accuracy. The satellite will provide real-time data for environmental monitoring, infrastructure planning, and disaster response with a 24/7 automated imaging system.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced MBZ-SAT in 2020, naming it after President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in recognition of his contributions to the UAE’s space sector.
Why is MBZ-SAT a Game-Changer?
- 2x Image Capture Accuracy – Enhanced detail for global users
- 4x Faster Data Transfer – Quicker access to critical information
- 10x More Image Production – Greater coverage and insights
- Real-Time Delivery – Images processed in under two hours
What Happens After Launch?
- First Signal: Expected 1 hour 22 minutes post-launch as MBZ-SAT passes over Norway
- Orbit: 500-550km above Earth in Low Earth Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO)
- Mission Control: Operated from MBRSC in Dubai
A Major Milestone for the UAE’s Space Industry
MBZ-SAT is a major step forward in the UAE’s goal to build a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation and technology.
Around 90 per cent of its mechanical structures and electronic modules were developed in partnership with UAE-based companies, strengthening the country’s aerospace sector.
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