Latest news with #MohammedbinRashidSpaceCentre
The National
11-04-2025
- Science
- The National
Dubai space centre uses AI to help with global disaster response
The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) is using AI to provide analysis and insights which can prove crucial in helping disaster response missions across the world. The centre's satellites, which provide high-resolution images from above the ground, were used in a host of missions including the Philippines, for disaster relief efforts after a volcano erupted, in Indonesia in the wake of severe flooding, and in Libya after it was also hit by flooding. The Dubai-based MBRSC is receiving an average of eight requests a week for its satellites to be used in disaster relief efforts around the world, said a senior figure from the organisation. 'We are a very active member of the disaster management organisations,' said Saeed Al Mansoori, director of the Remote Sensing Department at MBRSC. "We provide them with high-resolution satellite imagery, along with maps and studies for the areas that witness crises like earthquakes, volcanoes, floods or landslides." He said the centre received an average of eight requests each week, adding: 'We need to respond immediately. If today there is a flood in a certain area, we need to provide them with what's going on today, because the situation will be different tomorrow.' Since the beginning of 2024, MBRSC has supported around 40 disaster response missions internationally, he revealed. These are typically post-event requests, used to assess the extent of damage and provide governments and aid agencies with the information they need to act quickly. As demand for real-time data grows, MBRSC is also turning to artificial intelligence to expand its capabilities. 'We are embedding artificial intelligence in order to respond immediately to as many requests as possible,' said Mr Al Mansoori. 'We're collecting historical data and using it to train the AI, so the system can analyse and produce insights without needing people to work from home or during weekends. This way, we can achieve more, with better accuracy, in a shorter time." Mr Al Mansoori was speaking to The National at the ISPRS Geospatial Week, which is hosted in Dubai by MBRSC. The ISPRS, which stands for the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, is a global organisation advocating for co-operation between nations on scanning areas by satellite or from aeroplanes to gather data. The conference, which runs in Dubai until Friday, brings together global experts in remote sensing, geoscience and photogrammetry – the name given to measuring distance from photographs and digital imagery. 'This is a platform for serious dialogue and collaboration,' said Mr Al Mansoori, 'It's about uniting expertise across sectors and disciplines to create real-world solutions through space-based technologies.' The MBRSC has developed and launched five Earth observation satellites since 2009, ranging from nanosatellites (miniature satellites) to small-sized ones. Last month, The National reported that the UAE's latest synthetic aperture radar (Sar) satellite lifted off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. MBRSC confirmed the launch took place on Saturday, March 14, at 10.43am. The first signal from the satellite was received at 12.04pm. 'Sar actually will add great value to what we are doing,' said Mr Al Mansoori. 'It will add more value-added products to our government and entities. It will fill the gap in research because there was a lack of government research when it comes to synthetic aperture radar technology. Now UAE universities will have data coming from Sar, and they won't need to rely on other sensors or data sources.' While the UAE is not the first country in the world to use Sar satellites, it is a regional leader, he said. 'We are the first in the region,' Mr Al Mansoori said. 'This is something very important for our government and our academic institutions.'
The National
11-04-2025
- Science
- The National
Dubai space centre uses AI to help with global disaster response as demand for services grows
The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) is using AI to provide analysis and insights which can prove crucial in helping disaster response missions across the world. The centre's satellites, which provide high-resolution images from above the ground, were used in a host of missions including the Philippines, for disaster relief efforts after a volcano erupted, in Indonesia in the wake of severe flooding, and in Libya after it was also hit by flooding. The Dubai-based MBRSC is receiving an average of eight requests a week for its satellites to be used in disaster relief efforts around the world, said a senior figure from the organisation. 'We are a very active member of the disaster management organisations,' said Saeed Al Mansoori, director of the Remote Sensing Department at MBRSC. "We provide them with high-resolution satellite imagery, along with maps and studies for the areas that witness crises like earthquakes, volcanoes, floods or landslides." He said the centre received an average of eight requests each week, adding: 'We need to respond immediately. If today there is a flood in a certain area, we need to provide them with what's going on today, because the situation will be different tomorrow.' Since the beginning of 2024, MBRSC has supported around 40 disaster response missions internationally, he revealed. These are typically post-event requests, used to assess the extent of damage and provide governments and aid agencies with the information they need to act quickly. As demand for real-time data grows, MBRSC is also turning to artificial intelligence to expand its capabilities. 'We are embedding artificial intelligence in order to respond immediately to as many requests as possible,' said Mr Al Mansoori. 'We're collecting historical data and using it to train the AI, so the system can analyse and produce insights without needing people to work from home or during weekends. This way, we can achieve more, with better accuracy, in a shorter time." Mr Al Mansoori was speaking to The National at the ISPRS Geospatial Week, which is hosted in Dubai by MBRSC. The ISPRS, which stands for the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, is a global organisation advocating for co-operation between nations on scanning areas by satellite or from aeroplanes to gather data. The conference, which runs in Dubai until Friday, brings together global experts in remote sensing, geoscience and photogrammetry – the name given to measuring distance from photographs and digital imagery. 'This is a platform for serious dialogue and collaboration,' said Mr Al Mansoori, 'It's about uniting expertise across sectors and disciplines to create real-world solutions through space-based technologies.' The MBRSC has developed and launched five Earth observation satellites since 2009, ranging from nanosatellites (miniature satellites) to small-sized ones. Last month, The National reported that the UAE's latest synthetic aperture radar (Sar) satellite lifted off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. MBRSC confirmed the launch took place on Saturday, March 14, at 10.43am. The first signal from the satellite was received at 12.04pm. 'Sar actually will add great value to what we are doing,' said Mr Al Mansoori. 'It will add more value-added products to our government and entities. It will fill the gap in research because there was a lack of government research when it comes to synthetic aperture radar technology. Now UAE universities will have data coming from Sar, and they won't need to rely on other sensors or data sources.' While the UAE is not the first country in the world to use Sar satellites, it is a regional leader, he said. 'We are the first in the region,' Mr Al Mansoori said. 'This is something very important for our government and our academic institutions.'
CairoScene
16-03-2025
- Science
- CairoScene
UAE's First SAR Satellite ‘Etihad-Sat' Successfully Launched
Etihad-Sat marks a milestone in the UAE's growing space capabilities, complementing the nation's existing Earth observation fleet. Mar 15, 2025 The UAE has taken a significant step forward in space technology with the successful launch of Etihad-Sat, its latest synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite. Developed by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in collaboration with South Korea's Satrec Initiative, the satellite lifted off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from a California spaceport. The first signal from the satellite was received at 12:04 PM, confirming a smooth deployment. Etihad-Sat marks a milestone in the UAE's growing space capabilities, complementing the nation's existing Earth observation fleet. Unlike optical imaging satellites, which rely on clear weather conditions, Etihad-Sat's SAR technology allows for uninterrupted monitoring, capturing high-resolution images through clouds, fog, and even in complete darkness. This advancement significantly enhances the UAE's ability to track environmental changes, monitor urban growth, and respond to natural disasters with real-time, reliable data. The satellite's applications are vast, spanning from detecting oil spills and supporting maritime navigation to improving smart agriculture and environmental conservation.
Daily Tribune
15-03-2025
- Science
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's ‘Al Munther' Satellite Successfully Launched Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9
TDT | Manama Bahrain marked a historic milestone in its space ambitions today as the locally developed satellite, 'Al Munther', also known as the 'Made in Bahrain' satellite, successfully lifted off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The launch took place at 9:39 AM Bahrain time from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA. A Leap Forward for Bahrain's Space Sector The mission, shared with approximately 40 other payloads from international entities, will unfold in three key stages: the rocket's takeoff, the deployment of its payloads, and the final positioning of Al Munther into a sun-synchronous orbit 550 km above sea level. Once in orbit, the satellite will initiate data collection and space exploration activities, marking a significant step in Bahrain's space endeavors. sdfsdf sddsfs setr Harnessing AI for Advanced Research Equipped with cutting-edge technology, Al Munther is set to enhance environmental monitoring, disaster management, and high-precision research capabilities. The satellite integrates artificial intelligence (AI) for advanced data analysis and imaging, reinforcing Bahrain's role in the regional space sector. This project is a product of Bahrain's growing collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in the UAE, reflecting the kingdom's commitment to fostering scientific innovation. It also serves as a catalyst to inspire the next generation of Bahraini scientists and engineers, propelling the nation into a new era of space exploration. resr
Muscat Daily
09-03-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
Bahrain satellite set for launch on SpaceX transporter 13 mission
Bahrain's 'Al Munther' satellite, also known as the 'Made in Bahrain' satellite, is preparing for launch as part of SpaceX's Transporter-13 mission. The launch is scheduled for Wednesday at 9.39am Bahrain time, although the exact time may change due to factors such as weather conditions, atmospheric influences, and other launches. The satellite will be carried aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, which will also carry approximately 40 other payloads from various countries and organisations. The rocket will launch from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, and the mission will involve three stages. The first stage is the take-off of the rocket, followed by the separation of the rocket's payloads, including Bahrain's satellite. The final stage will see the Al Munther satellite entering its sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 550 km above sea level, where it will begin its data collection and space exploration activities. The Al Munther satellite is set to bring cutting-edge technology to Bahrain's space capabilities, incorporating artificial intelligence for advanced data and image analysis. This technology aims to support crucial applications such as environmental monitoring, disaster management, and improving data collection for research. Bahrain's collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in the UAE further strengthens its position in the region's growing space sector. In addition to its technological advancements, the launch of Al Munther is a key moment for Bahrain's efforts to inspire the next generation of space scientists. The satellite's mission marks a significant step in the country's space programme and its increasing role in the global space community.
