UAE to Launch Most Advanced Imaging Satellite of the Region by 2024

The UAE is developing the most powerful imaging satellite to launch into space in 2024, which has been named MBZ-Sat after President Sheikh Mohamed. 

The satellite has been in development at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in Dubai for a long time. 

The satellite will be transported into orbit through the SpaceX ride-share mission, on board a Falcon 9 rocket.

According to the Director-General of MBRSC Salem AlMarri, the satellite will monitor environmental changes, water quality, and help with agricultural developments. 

MBZ-Sat has a fully automated image scheduling and processing system that is expected to produce 10 times more images than the space centre does now. Furthermore, the downlink data transmission speed is expected to be three times faster. 

The director-general has shared that 90% of the satellite's mechanical modules and 50% of its electronic modules have been manufactured locally, in the UAE.

The space center has been working with various private companies to develop MBZ-Sat including Strata, EPI, Rockford Xellerix, Halcon, and Falcon Group. 

The MBRSC and the UAE Space Agency have been encouraging more companies to be involved in projects related to space. 

Image source: @Salem_HAlMarri Twitter page