Latest news with #SyntheticAperture
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
World Utilities Congress 2025: Exhibitors and speakers show how innovation is powering the future of utilities
30 May 2025 00:16 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Exhibitors and speakers at the World Utilities Congress 2025 offered Aletihad insights into breakthrough technologies and bold strategies redefining the future of Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has introduced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) drone-mounted technology that has been used in detection of underground water leaks at depths up to 40 metres without the need to dig Lead Researcher Luciano Oliveira said: 'The origin of TII SAR began with a clear and urgent challenge: how can we see what's happening beneath the surface accurately, efficiently and at scale?'TII's drone-based SAR differs from conventional satellites with its low altitude - a flexible way of operating and deeper ground penetration.'We integrated SAR into UAV platforms, allowing for high-resolution subsurface imaging,' he how it works, Oliveira added: 'TII SAR sees underground using radar waves. When water leaks, it changes the soil's properties, much like how a cloth darkens when wet. With AI, we can distinguish actual leaks from natural moisture and detect issues long before they reach the surface.'He highlighted the system's precision: 'We combined long-wavelength radar with drone flexibility. It is capable of identifying buried features, including moisture anomalies and underground structures.'After field testing, Oliveira said the tool 'performed well in detecting subsurface changes across different environmental conditions.'This technology reduces non-revenue water loss and boosts infrastructure efficiency.'Presenting the breakthrough at the World Utilities Congress, Oliveira said: 'We are not just unveiling a new tool; we are presenting a strategic solution to global challenges around infrastructure resilience and water security.'François Xavier Boul, Managing Director for ENGIE's Renewables and Batteries division in the MENA region, highlighted the company's focus on developing large-scale solar PV, battery storage systems and low-carbon desalination to help decarbonise critical infrastructure and support national transition the Congress, ENGIE highlighted its full project lifecycle capabilities: 'We are developing, financing, constructing, owning and operating power and water projects. We bring the most advanced technologies and secure projects from the early stages,' he said ENGIE's current projects include photovoltaic (PV), wind and battery storage projects, as well as advanced reverse osmosis (RO) desalination technologies.'Batteries are evolving fast - similar to how PV progressed a decade ago,' he is also exploring high-efficiency gas turbines with lower carbon footprints to support decarbonisation goals.'We are offering decarbonised solutions throughout the energy chain,' Boul said. 'That is the future.'He also highlighted the shifting trends in the energy sector in Abu Dhabi.'Abu Dhabi has been a pioneer. There has always been a strong focus on energy efficiency, and the grid here is among the most efficient in the world. With more renewables and nuclear coming online, Abu Dhabi continues to lead the energy transition.'He pointed to rising investments in grid stability and battery storage, including ENGIE's recent 800 MWh bid: 'We're seeing more battery deployment as part of building the energy systems of the future.'Boul added: 'The future is decarbonised. ENGIE's 2045 net zero target is one of the world's most ambitious - and we are on track, pushing boundaries to deliver innovative, low-carbon solutions.'Charles-Edouard Mellagui, CEO of the Cable Business Unit at Ducab, explained the company's vital role in clean energy: 'Without our cables, this transition cannot happen. You can build capacities, but you cannot use them unless power is transmitted.'Ducab aligns with the UAE's 2030 energy vision.'We are part of the UAE's mission to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 - from 4,000 to 12,000 gigawatts,' he said, but warned, 'Copper is limited. That is why circular economy and innovation are crucial.'He highlighted rising energy demand driven by AI: 'A Chat GPT query consumes 3MWh compared to 0.3 for a Google search. That's 10 times more power. This is a megatrend.'On grid reliability, he said: 'Solar and wind are intermittent. We need storage and intelligence to avoid waste… That is the power of interconnectivity.'Mellagui continued: 'Our focus is on sustainable solutions, not just products… What if there's no copper left? That's why recycling is our future.'Factories emit CO2, but that CO2 can become a resource… It is not waste; it is opportunity,' he added.'Sustainability, interconnectivity, smart energy, storage and carbon capture - these are the pillars shaping the future of energy.'Speaking at the World Utilities Congress 2025, Oxana Dankova, Partner and Global Lead of Energy Networks at BCG, outlined how technology and consumer behaviour are reshaping energy systems.'The concept of flexibility today is about solving two key challenges,' she said.'First, matching supply and demand in time. Second, maintaining the grid's stability as we scale volatile renewables.'She stressed the importance of digital solutions: 'AI is essential. We need to simulate and react in real time... and no human can do that manually.'On storage, she said: 'Storage helps shift generation to meet demand, and it can inject power instantly to stabilise the grid.'Noting the infrastructure hurdles, Dankova said: 'We need to build five to six times more grid… That creates huge pressure on supply chains and skilled labour.'She added: 'Hydrogen could be a long-term storage solution… But the cost of electrolysers must drop.' Turning to the future, she noted: 'Abu Dhabi has the land, sun and ambition… Consumer flexibility - like when we charge EVs - will help us avoid overburdening the grid.'
Indian Express
18-05-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
ISRO's 101st satellite mission fails after mid-flight rocket issue
India's space agency was unable to complete the launch of an Earth observation satellite early Sunday morning after its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61) encountered an anomaly during the third stage of flight, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The mission, which lifted off at 5:59 am local time from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, marked what would have been the 101st launch from the site. The rocket's first two stages performed normally, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said in a brief statement following the launch attempt. 'The PSLV is a four-stage vehicle and up to the second stage, the performance was normal,' Narayanan said. 'The third stage motor started perfectly but during the functioning of the third stage we are seeing an observation and the mission could not be accomplished.' He did not elaborate on the nature of the anomaly, but added, 'After analysis we shall come back.' The mission was carrying EOS-09, an Earth observation satellite equipped with a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) capable of capturing high-resolution images under all weather conditions, day and night. The satellite was designed to support a wide range of applications, including agricultural monitoring, forestry, urban planning, disaster management, and national security. EOS-09 was intended to be a repeat mission of EOS-04, which was successfully launched in 2022, and aimed to improve the frequency and availability of remote sensing data for users across multiple sectors.
Khaleej Times
27-02-2025
- Science
- Khaleej Times
Etihad-SAT: UAE's newest satellite to help manage natural disasters, detect oil spills
The UAE's newest satellite Etihad-SAT is set for launch in the first week of March 2025 aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced on Thursday. This marks a significant milestone in MBRSC's Satellite Development Program, as Etihad-SAT will be the country's first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite. It will be capable of managing natural disasters, detecting activities such as oil spills, and enhancing maritime navigation. The cutting-edge SAR imaging technology will boost the Centre's Earth observation capabilities, providing high-resolution images under any weather condition, and further advancing the UAE's expertise in satellite technology. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai on his X account, on Wednesday, shared this news. He had stated, 'We are delighted to announce the completion of our latest space project, Etihad-SAT, an advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite set to launch in March 2025.' Sheikh Hamdan added, 'Developed through a strategic partnership between the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and South Korea's Satrec Initiative, Etihad-SAT features the latest imaging technologies, providing high-precision observation in all weather conditions. Our ambitions in the space sector know no bounds, and we firmly believe in the capabilities of our youth to strengthen the UAE's global leadership in space exploration and help shape a brighter future for humanity powered by knowledge and innovation.' Advanced technology Releasing further details on the announcement, the space centre on Thursday highlighted that the Etihad-SAT satellite uses advanced SAR technology for high-precision Earth observation in all weather conditions, day and night. It offers three imaging modes: spot mode for high-resolution imaging of small areas, scan mode for wide-area coverage, and strip mode for extended observation. SAR technology uses radar signals, which can penetrate clouds, darkness, and rain, making it reliable for consistent data collection. This makes Etihad-SAT a valuable tool for oil spill detection, disaster management, maritime navigation, smart agriculture, and environmental monitoring. When development began The development of Etihad-SAT began two years ago as part of a knowledge transfer programme in collaboration with South Korea's Satrec Initiative. The MBRSC team initially focused on defining the satellite's specifications and requirements before moving to the preliminary design and technical testing phase to ensure compliance with the highest industry standards. In the next phase, MBRSC engineers led the final design and manufacturing processes in partnership with experts from Satrec Initiative, reinforcing the UAE's commitment to global collaboration in space technology. Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General, MBRSC, said, 'Etihad-SAT is the result of our collaboration with Satrec Initiative as part of a knowledge-transfer programme, marking a new milestone that enables us to gain expertise in SAR satellite development. With its advanced capabilities, the satellite will support many vital sectors in the UAE. This mission is a testament to our commitment to developing innovative space solutions that contribute to sustainable development, strengthen the national economy, and enhance the UAE's standing in the global space industry."
