The UAE's MBZ-Sat has beamed back its first signal from space following its historic launch on Tuesday night, confirming “all systems are operating efficiently” on the region's most advanced Earth observation satellite.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) on Wednesday said the satellite had now begun its mission to deliver data supporting global development, in a message shared on social media.
The launch of the satellite has been heralded as a major step forward for the UAE's space programme, which has made significant progress in recent years.
There was jubilation in the MBRSC on Tuesday night as the satellite blasted off into orbit shortly after 11pm, UAE time.
Engineers sat in neat rows, eyes fixed on glowing monitors displaying live telemetry data and visuals of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that carried MBZ-Sat into orbit from a spaceport in California.
“We have successfully launched MBZ-Sat, the region's most advanced satellite, marking a new milestone in the UAE’s space technology development,” Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, posted on X.
High-resolution imaging
MBZ-Sat, named after President Sheikh Mohamed, is a 700kg optical imaging satellite that has been developed by Emirati engineers, with most of its parts manufactured by local industry in a boost for the private sector.
MBRSC claims it is the most-advanced imaging satellite in the region, with a fully automated image scheduling and processing system that will allow it produce 10 times more images than the space centre did before. It is three times more powerful than KhalifaSat, an Emirati-built satellite operating since 2018. MBZ-Sat's downlink data transmission speed will be three times faster than its predecessor's.
While MBZ-Sat took the spotlight on Tuesday evening, three other satellites were on board the rideshare mission by SpaceX, which monitored the overall flight and deployment of the satellite from mission control in the US. MBRSC's role was to monitor the condition of MBZ-Sat, while tracking the status of the launch.
MBZ-Sat was announced in 2020, with an anticipated launch date of 2023. However, adjustments to timetables are common in space flight given the complexity of satellite development and the co-ordination required with launch providers.
Foresight-2: Efforts by local industry
Foresight-2, developed by AI-powered space technology company Space42, is a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite that was also launched on Tuesday. Unlike traditional optical imaging satellites, SAR technology allows Foresight-2 to capture high-resolution images regardless of the weather or time of day. This makes it invaluable for applications such as environmental monitoring, defence and disaster management.
Space42 was formed after a merger between Bayanat, a company responsible for processing satellite data, and satellite services company Yahsat. The merger helped create one of the world’s most valuable listed space companies. Hasan Al Hosani, chief executive of Bayanat Smart Solutions at Space42, told The National the satellite is part of Space42’s Foresight constellation programme, which aims to deliver real-time radar imagery for commercial and government clients.
“In less than six months since our first SAR satellite launch Foresight-1, Space42 has expanded its Earth observation capabilities following the successful deployment of the second phase of our Foresight Constellation,” he said. “Space42 plans to expand its leading position globally in this sector, creating a comprehensive SAR constellation, which is expected to be completed by 2027 to establish sovereign satellite data acquisition and processing capabilities.”
HCT-1 and AlAinSat-1: Students reach for the stars
Two CubeSats, or miniature satellites, built by students in the UAE were also on board the rocket on Tuesday. AlAinSat-1 was the first satellite launched by UAE University in Al Ain. It has been designed to use advanced imaging technology and machine learning to study vegetation, monitor environmental changes, and autonomously select and download valuable images for analysis.
Meanwhile, the Higher Colleges of Technology in Dubai launched its HCT-1, a CubeSat built by its students in collaboration with the MBRSC. It is equipped with technology to conduct basic Earth observation and communication experiments. Both CubeSats are the result of UAE efforts to integrate space education into its academic institutions, inspiring young talent to contribute to the nation’s growing space sector.
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Motori Profile
Date started: March 2020
Co-founder/CEO: Ahmed Eissa
Based: UAE, Abu Dhabi
Sector: Insurance Sector
Size: 50 full-time employees (Inside and Outside UAE)
Stage: Seed stage and seeking Series A round of financing
Investors: Safe City Group
THE%20SPECS
%3Cp%3EEngine%3A%204.4-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%20hybrid%0D%3Cbr%3EPower%3A%20653hp%20at%205%2C400rpm%0D%3Cbr%3ETorque%3A%20800Nm%20at%201%2C600-5%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3ETransmission%3A%208-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E0-100kph%20in%204.3sec%0D%3Cbr%3ETop%20speed%20250kph%0D%3Cbr%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20NA%0D%3Cbr%3EOn%20sale%3A%20Q2%202023%0D%3Cbr%3EPrice%3A%20From%20Dh750%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Aston martin DBX specs
Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 542bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Top speed: 291kph
Price: Dh848,000
On sale: Q2, 2020
How the UAE gratuity payment is calculated now
Employees leaving an organisation are entitled to an end-of-service gratuity after completing at least one year of service.
The tenure is calculated on the number of days worked and does not include lengthy leave periods, such as a sabbatical. If you have worked for a company between one and five years, you are paid 21 days of pay based on your final basic salary. After five years, however, you are entitled to 30 days of pay. The total lump sum you receive is based on the duration of your employment.
1. For those who have worked between one and five years, on a basic salary of Dh10,000 (calculation based on 30 days):
a. Dh10,000 ÷ 30 = Dh333.33. Your daily wage is Dh333.33
b. Dh333.33 x 21 = Dh7,000. So 21 days salary equates to Dh7,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service. Multiply this figure for every year of service up to five years.
2. For those who have worked more than five years
c. 333.33 x 30 = Dh10,000. So 30 days’ salary is Dh10,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service.
Note: The maximum figure cannot exceed two years total salary figure.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Packages which the US Secret Service said contained possible explosive devices were sent to:
- Former first lady Hillary Clinton
- Former US president Barack Obama
- Philanthropist and businessman George Soros
- Former CIA director John Brennan at CNN's New York bureau
- Former Attorney General Eric Holder (delivered to former DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz)
- California Congresswoman Maxine Waters (two devices)
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Cultural fiesta
What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day.
