H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and President of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), has officially approved the MBZ-SAT for launch no earlier than October 2024, marking a significant milestone in the UAE's space endeavours.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on the latest updates and upcoming phases of MBZ-SAT, the most advanced satellite in the region, and the latest addition to the UAE Satellite Programme, during his visit to the headquarters of MBRSC. He was accompanied on the visit by Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of MBRSC.
The briefing covered the satellite's development, its capabilities, and the strategic plan for its deployment. His Highness expressed his confidence in the Centre’s capabilities to enhance the Arab region’s stature in the global space industry through pioneering projects like MBZ-SAT.
“We are on the brink of a transformative era in space exploration, and the upcoming launch of MBZ-SAT marks a pivotal moment that affirms the UAE’s growing influence as a significant global contributor to the field of space technology,"
H.H. said.
"Guided by the vision of our wise leadership, an ambitious agenda and strengthened by strategic partnerships, the UAE's space sector is poised to extend its reach and enhance its capabilities further,”
he noted.
“Through our innovative endeavours and the dedicated efforts at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, we are committed to not only advancing our nation's capacity in space technology but also contributing valuable knowledge and insights that will benefit the wider region and the international community,"
he added.
During a visit, H.H. inspected the clean room housing the MBZ-SAT and endorsed a plaque bearing its logo, engaging with the development team and learning about the satellite's technical aspects and objectives. Environmental testing, crucial for its resilience in space, follows the successful development phase. Scheduled for launch no earlier than October 2024 via a SpaceX rocket, MBZ-SAT aims to bolster the UAE's global space industry standing. Fully developed by Emirati engineers, it advances local aerospace manufacturing through significant localization. Equipped with a powerful camera, it captures high-resolution images, positioning the UAE as a space technology hub. The Centre will provide rapid data sharing for various applications globally. Operated from the Mission Control Centre at MBRSC, MBZ-SAT enhances UAE's satellite capabilities.
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, hailed the upcoming launch of MBZ-SAT as a landmark moment for the UAE under the wise leadership of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He emphasized the achievement as a testament to the nation's technological prowess and innovative spirit, expressing commitment to pushing boundaries in space exploration.
Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, credited the project's success to H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's guidance, highlighting the UAE's ambition to pioneer space technologies. He underscored the focus on leveraging space science for humanity's benefit and sustainable development on Earth, stating that MBZ-SAT elevates capabilities to address future challenges and inspire future generations in science and engineering.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
