UAE’s MBZ-Sat launches into orbit

Region’s most advanced satellite is launched in historic lift-off at 11.09pm UAE time from California

The UAE's MBZ-Sat, the region’s most advanced Earth observation satellite, was launched in a milestone moment for the country's burgeoning space sector.

The 750kg satellite blasted off into orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, engineered by Elon Musk’s SpaceX company, at 11.09pm (UAE time), the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre said. The launch took place at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

MBZ-Sat, named in honour of President Sheikh Mohamed, has been in development by Emirati engineers at the MBRSC since 2020, with most of the satellite parts made by private companies.

Amar Vora, head of space at Serco Middle East, a company that provides services and consultancy to the public and private sector, previously told The National that the satellite would provide the highest resolution imagery in the region. Its capabilities exceed those of its predecessor, KhalifaSat.

“This will unlock new and improved civilian applications across the UAE and beyond, helping to better manage infrastructure, monitor the environment and support disaster relief, among a range of other uses,” Mr Vora said.

MBRSC director general Salem Al Marri said during an earlier visit to SpaceX that “we held a meeting to explore potential collaborations and future projects with our partners”.

“We also reviewed final preparations for the launch of MBZ-Sat, the most advanced satellite in the region,” added Mr Al Marri.

What is MBZ-Sat?

Named after President Sheikh Mohamed, the satellite has been under development at MBRSC in Dubai for five years.

The satellite was officially approved for launch last year by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and president of the MBRSC.

About 90 per cent of the satellite’s mechanical structure and most of its electronic modules were made locally. It is equipped with one of the most powerful cameras developed in the region, technology that can show details within areas of less than one square metre.

The camera will help to support mapping and analysis, environmental monitoring, navigation, infrastructure management and disaster relief efforts.

The satellite has in recent months undergone rigorous environmental testing, which is crucial to ensuring its resilience and functionality in space.

MBZ-Sat will be operated and monitored from the Mission Control Centre at the MBRSC.