Final checks show KhalifaSat on track for Monday launch

Project manager says weather reports indicate rocket will be launched as scheduled

A file picture of Japan's H2A rocket lifting off from the southern island of Tanegashgima carrying a Canadian telecommunications satellite. Courtesy Jiji Press

The UAE's first entirely Emirati-built satellite is all set for launch on Monday morning.

KhalifaSat is due to launch into Earth orbit from the Tanegashima Space Center on Tanegashima, a small island off the southern tip of mainland Japan.

Amer Al Sayegh, project manager for KhalifaSat, told Dubai TV that, after reviewing weather reports and final checks.

"All preparations indicate that the rocket will be launched on schedule on Monday at 8.08am, God-willing," he said.

"Khalifa Sat is a national project that represents the ambitions of the UAE's young generation and the children of Sheikh Zayed to reach space. All the assessments results were sound and the team are feeling hopeful and prepared to be overjoyed."

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The observation satellite will be launched on board an H-IIA rocket. A few hours later, the satellite will separate from the launch rocket and unfold the solar panels that will power it.

Once deployed, the satellite will spend five years in a Low Earth Orbit (about 613km up) where it will capture and deliver high-quality detailed images of Earth to the ground station at MBRSC, Dubai.

KhalifaSat will be third UAE satellite to be launched into space, after DubaiSat-1 and DubaiSat-2. Its development began in 2013 after an announcement about the space bid by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.