UAE’s First SAR Satellite Etihad-SAT Set for Launch Aboard Falcon 9

Shahba Mayyeri -

Dubai’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has announced the scheduled launch of its first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, Etihad-SAT, set for tomorrow (March 15) at 10:39 AM UAE time.

The satellite will lift off from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, with the launch timing subject to weather and operational conditions.

Developed in collaboration with Korea’s Satrec Initiative, Etihad-SAT is a milestone in the UAE’s space program. MBRSC engineers led the satellite’s technical design and validation, ensuring compliance with global standards before overseeing its final development. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s vision to enhance national space capabilities through technology localisation and knowledge transfer.

Equipped with cutting-edge SAR technology, Etihad-SAT enables high-precision Earth observation in all weather conditions, day and night. It offers three imaging modes:

  • Spot Mode – High-resolution imaging for small areas
  • Scan Mode – Wide-area coverage for large regions
  • Strip Mode – Extended observation for longer regions

The satellite’s data will support critical industries, including oil spill detection, disaster management, maritime navigation, smart agriculture, and environmental monitoring, with AI-powered processing enhancing efficiency.

Following launch, MBRSC’s Mission Control Centre will oversee Etihad-SAT’s operations, ensuring optimal data analysis and management. Space enthusiasts can watch the live broadcast of the launch at 10:15 AM UAE time via MBRSC’s official website.

News Source: Emirates News Agency