Satellite data can be used for UAE security

The Middle East could use satellite data and imagery for national security and critical infrastructure protection, experts have said.

Samer Halawi, left, chief executive at Thuraya, during a panel discussion at Wednesday’s session. Delores Johnson / The National

ABU DHABI // The Middle East could use satellite data and imagery for national security and critical infrastructure protection, experts said on Wednesday.

They said space technology can be used to detect instability and allow governments to take preventive measures.

“Space applications became capital for safety and security,” said cosmonaut Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu, president of the Association of Space Explorers. “All types of satellites can be used for security-related aspects.”

He said satellite services could be used in response to risk by providing intelligence data for rapid intervention in illegal activities.

“It can detect vessels, their location and route of unidentified ships for example,” he said. “In a world of information, aerial data, geographic information and other data are of critical importance to any peacekeeping mission, too.”

The technologies are also critical to border security.

“With the development of commercial satellites with better resolution, the barrier of high cost is overcome,” Mr Prunariu said. “And the team can have real-time information like the number of refugees moving or the number of buildings destroyed in an attack.”

David Hartshorn, secretary general at the Global Vsat Forum, said there needed to be a clearer understanding of how satellite-based systems and services could be more fully exploited to help countries achieve public policy objectives.

“This means disaster preparedness and response, health for the people of the nation and the world, education, peacekeeping and a host of other applications,” he said. “They are already being uprooted right now by combinations of mobile and fixed satellite services.”

Samer Halawi, chief executive at Thuraya, said the satellite and mobile satellite industry was vital for the social welfare of humanity.

“Satellite has a very important role in reaching those people who cannot be reached” by terrestrial networks, he said. “The satellite spectrum is very important and has to be preserved. On a daily basis, we save and improve lives and the improving part is one where we provide services that allow the social and economical parts to be developed in the world.”