The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has announced that MBZ-SAT, the region's most advanced satellite, is set to launch later tonight, with a 27-minute window opening at 10:49 PM UAE time.
The launch will take place from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. Weather and operational conditions may affect the schedule, with a backup launch window on Wednesday, 15 January.
MBZ-SAT, developed entirely by Emirati engineers at MBRSC, marks a significant milestone in the UAE's space ambitions. It is named after H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and was announced by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, in 2020. The satellite was approved for launch by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, earlier in 2024.
With a weight of 750 kg and a size of 3m x 5m, MBZ-SAT boasts advanced Earth observation capabilities, offering double the imaging accuracy of previous satellites, ten times more imagery, and rapid data delivery within two hours. Equipped with electric propulsion, a high-resolution camera, and precise navigation, it will aid in environmental monitoring, infrastructure management, and disaster relief.
MBZ-SAT's development has driven economic growth and knowledge transfer in the UAE's aerospace sector, enhancing the nation's global competitiveness. Once operational in low Earth orbit, the satellite will be managed from MBRSC’s Mission Control Centre, where teams will monitor its operations and analyze data.
The mission will be streamed live at 9:30 PM (UAE time) on the MBRSC website.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
