Latest news with #TalalHumaidBelhoulAlFalasi
Gulf Insider
23-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
UAE Moon Mission: Sheikh Hamdan Announces Rashid 2 Rover Lunar Exploration
The UAE will send a Rashid 2 Rover vehicle to explore the far side of the moon next year. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and President of MBRSC, witnessed the signing of a strategic agreement between the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and Firefly Aerospace. The latter will provide the lunar lander to deploy the Rashid 2 Rover under the Emirates Lunar Mission to the far side of the moon. The signing was held at Emirates Towers. Under the strategic agreement, the Rashid 2 Rover will be deployed to the far side of the Moon on Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander stacked on the Elytra Dark orbital vehicle. The Rashid 2 Rover will join Blue Ghost Mission 2, in 2026, which will be Firefly Aerospace's second lunar mission, alongside payloads from Australia, the European Space Agency (ESA), and NASA. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: 'The UAE's mission to explore the far side of the Moon places our nation among a select group of countries advancing the frontiers of lunar exploration. 'Our objective is not only to reach new destinations in space, but to generate meaningful knowledge that contributes to humanity's understanding of the universe. 'The agreement with Firefly Aerospace reflects our strategy of forging strategic global collaborations that advance our long-term scientific and space technology ambitions. 'We are committed to shaping a sustainable space industry ecosystem that fosters innovation, facilitates international knowledge exchange, and supports the continued growth of the UAE's scientific and technological leadership. 'Through missions like these, the UAE is set to further strengthen its position in the global space sector as a major player in expanding the horizons of discovery'. Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President, MBRSC, said: 'We are grateful to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his steadfast support of MBRSC's endeavours, which continues to be instrumental in driving our progress. 'We also extend our sincere appreciation to the UAE's leadership, whose vision and unwavering commitment to innovation have enabled the nation to play an increasingly strategic role in global space exploration. 'As the UAE prepares to go to the moon and explore its far side through the Emirates Lunar Mission's Rashid 2 Rover, we continue to demonstrate our capacity to transform vision into reality. 'It further strengthens the UAE's standing as a committed partner in global space exploration and underscores our contribution to shaping the future of scientific discovery beyond Earth.' Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman, MBRSC, said: 'The signing of this strategic agreement reflects our nation's commitment to investing in long-term scientific advancement, building advanced national capabilities, and forging impactful global partnerships. 'The Emirates Lunar Mission embodies this forward-looking vision, which is driven by a desire to contribute to humanity's collective understanding of the Moon, and to support the development of future lunar infrastructure and deep space initiatives. 'As we pursue ever more ambitious endeavours with the support of our leadership, we remain focused on positioning the UAE as a key contributor to the global scientific community and a source of innovation for future generations.' Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace, said: 'On the heels of Firefly's flawless moon landing and operations, our team is looking forward to collaborating with the UAE and further expanding our representation of Artemis Accords nations on this groundbreaking mission to the far side of the Moon. 'We're honoured to support the international space community with our versatile Blue Ghost and Elytra spacecraft that can stack together to provide unique access to both lunar orbit and the lunar surface.' Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General, MBRSC, said: 'The strategic agreement signed with Firefly Aerospace marks a significant advancement in the UAE's growing role in shaping the future of lunar exploration. 'Through the Emirates Lunar Mission's Rashid 2 Rover, the UAE will become one of the few nations to explore the far side of the Moon. The mission will deliver valuable scientific data on the lunar surface, plasma environment, and dust behaviour—contributing to global knowledge and supporting future lunar infrastructure development. 'As we prepare for this historic milestone, we remain dedicated to expanding the UAE's contributions to humanity's long-term presence in space.' MBRSC has outlined a set of ambitious scientific goals for the Rashid 2 Rover, which will demonstrate lunar surface mobility on the far side of the moon — where terrain and communication pose greater challenges than the near side. As part of the mission, the rover will undergo the material adhesion determination experiment, using various materials on its wheels to evaluate their durability against lunar dust. The findings can inform the design of future technologies such as spacesuits, habitats, and other critical infrastructure. Equipped with multiple cameras and scientific probes, the Rashid 2 Rover will study the moon's plasma environment, geology, and thermal conditions. It will also investigate the properties of lunar soil, surface structure temperatures, and the lunar photoelectron sheath, which will provide valuable insights to support future in-situ resource utilisation and advance further exploration of deep space. The rover will further carry a radio transmitter to communicate with other payloads during the mission. The Emirates Lunar Mission forms a pivotal part of the of the broader space exploration strategy under the UAE's National Space Programme, that prioritises the advancement of scientific knowledge, the empowerment of future generations, and the strengthening of international cooperation. Also read: OpenAI To Build World's Largest AI Data Centre In Abu Dhabi, UAE
Hi Dubai
17-03-2025
- Science
- Hi Dubai
UAE Successfully Launches Its First SAR Imaging Satellite 'Etihad-SAT'
Dubai's Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has successfully launched its first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, Etihad-SAT, marking a major milestone in the UAE's space ambitions. The satellite was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket at 10:43 AM (UAE time). The first signal was confirmed from MBRSC's ground station in Dubai at 12:04 PM. Etihad-SAT is the UAE's first satellite equipped with SAR imaging technology, enabling high-resolution Earth observation in all weather conditions, day and night. Developed in collaboration with South Korea's Satrec Initiative, MBRSC engineers played a pivotal role in designing, validating, and manufacturing the satellite, reinforcing the UAE's commitment to localising advanced space technologies. H.E. Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of MBRSC, highlighted that the launch strengthens the UAE's leadership in space science and technology, supporting sustainable development through enhanced Earth observation capabilities. H.E. Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, emphasized the achievement as a step toward advancing the UAE National Space Programme, fostering innovation, and empowering future generations in space exploration. Equipped with three imaging modes, spot, scan, and strip, Etihad-SAT will aid industries in disaster management, environmental monitoring, maritime navigation, and smart agriculture. Its AI-driven data processing will ensure high accuracy and efficiency. With SAR's ability to penetrate clouds and operate in any atmospheric conditions, Etihad-SAT enhances the UAE's space infrastructure, reaffirming its position as a global player in Earth observation and space technology. The satellite will be managed by MBRSC's Mission Control Centre, ensuring seamless operation and data analysis for various critical applications. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Zawya
17-03-2025
- Science
- Zawya
UAE launches first Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite
The UAE's Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) on Saturday announced the successful launch of its first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, Etihad-SAT. The satellite launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket at 10:43 AM (UAE time). The team at the ground station in Dubai subsequently confirmed receiving the first signal from the satellite at 12:04 PM (UAE time), said a Wam news agency report. Etihad-SAT represents a significant milestone in MBRSC's Satellite Development Programme, as the first of its kind satellite equipped with SAR imaging technology. The advanced capability will enhance the Centre's Earth observation capabilities by providing high-resolution images in all weather conditions, while further reinforcing the UAE's commitment to developing innovative space solutions. Etihad-SAT was developed through a strategic partnership with South Korea's Satrec Initiative. MBRSC's team led the technical specifications phase before moving on to preliminary design and technical validation to ensure compliance with the highest global standards. In the later stages, MBRSC engineers took the lead in finalising the design and manufacturing in partnership with Satrec Initiative. The development is in line with MBRSC's commitment to enhancing national space capabilities through knowledge transfer and the localisation of advanced technologies. Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President, MBRSC, said: 'The UAE is steadily advancing towards strengthening its position among the leading nations in space science and technology, guided by the vision of our leadership and its continuous support for this vital sector. We express our gratitude for this support, which has resulted today in a new achievement with the launch of Etihad-SAT. The satellite represents a strategic step in enhancing our Earth observation capabilities and gathering critical data that supports sustainable development. This milestone also paves the way for leveraging space technologies across various fields that serve the nation. We remain dedicated to achieving sustainable technological advancement that strengthens our country's position and solidifies its active role on the global stage.' Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman, MBRSC, said: 'The successful launch of Etihad-SAT is a testament to the support and vision of our leadership, reflecting the progress the UAE is making in the space sector and further reinforcing its contributions in this domain. This achievement reflects our commitment to advancing the UAE National Space Programme and a part of our ambitious strategy to drive innovation and space technology development. It aligns with a long-term vision aimed at empowering future generations to contribute to sustainable progress in space exploration. We will continue to work towards achieving further milestones and reinforce the UAE's position as a key player in this sector.' Ee-Eul Kim, CEO & President, Satrec Initiative, said: 'We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the UAE on the successful launch of Etihad-SAT, a remarkable achievement. This milestone not only strengthens the UAE's capabilities in Earth observation but also highlights the importance of international collaboration. As a long-standing partner, Satrec Initiative is proud to collaborate with MBRSC to develop high-resolution SAR satellite. We look forward to continued cooperation with MBRSC and the UAE in shaping the future of space technology.' Etihad-SAT represents a technological leap in MBRSC's satellite fleet, integrating radar imaging technology with existing optical satellite capabilities. The satellite is equipped with advanced SAR technology that enables high-precision Earth observation across all weather and environmental conditions during both day and night. The satellite offers three imaging modes: spot mode (high-resolution imaging for small areas), scan mode (wide-area coverage for large regions) and strip mode (extended observation for longer regions). These features make Etihad-SAT a powerful tool for multiple industries, from detecting oil spills and managing natural disasters to enhancing maritime navigation, supporting smart agriculture, and conducting environmental monitoring. The data collected by Etihad-SAT will be processed using AI technology, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of its applications. SAR technology is one of the most advanced Earth observation techniques, allowing satellites to capture high-resolution images of the Earth's surface regardless of weather conditions, time of day, or atmospheric interference. Unlike traditional optical cameras, radar imaging relies on radio waves that penetrate clouds, darkness, and even rain, making it a powerful tool for consistent and uninterrupted data collection. The satellite will be operated and managed by MBRSC's Mission Control Centre, with specialised teams overseeing operations and analyse the data transmitted back to Earth. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Al Etihad
16-03-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
'Launch of Etihad-SAT reaffirms ongoing advancement of UAE space sector'
16 Mar 2025 23:29 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) is celebrating the successful launch of its first synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite, Etihad-SAT, on high-resolution satellite, launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, US, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket at 10.43am (UAE time), received the first signal from the satellite at 12.04pm the same a post on MBRSC's social media platforms, Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of MBRSC, said, 'The synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite, Etihad-SAT, marks a new success for the Emirati space sector. This achievement, led by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre's team, has been made possible due to the steadfast support of our leadership and the dedication of our youth in their pursuit of excellence.'Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, said, 'The launch of the Etihad-SAT mission reaffirms the ongoing advancement of the UAE space sector, driven by our commitment to adopting new technologies and enhancing the expertise of our Emirati cadres.'Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General of MBRSC, in a social media post, said, 'Congratulations to the Etihad-SAT mission team for their efforts. Today marks the beginning of an important phase in our satellite development journey and the valuable data it will deliver.'On the satellite's technological features, Abdulrahman AlMheiri, Radar Subsystems Expert for Etihad-SAT, explained, 'Etihad-SAT features several advanced technological capabilities, including providing high-resolution images and the ability to scan vast areas day and night, regardless of adverse weather conditions such as cloud cover, fog and dust storms. These features make the satellite ideally suited for serving various sectors.'Amer AlSayegh AlGhaferi, Assistant Director General of the Aerospace Engineering Sector at MBRSC, stated, 'One of the key aspects of the space missions we launch is serving development on Earth. We always focus on innovation in the technologies we use to provide valuable data. Therefore, we are launching Etihad-SAT, MBRSC's first synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite, in partnership with Satrec Initiative from South Korea.'AlGhaferi noted that SAR satellites provide distinct data compared to conventional satellite types. 'SAR technology is especially valuable for disaster monitoring and management as it provides precise data on the elevation of buildings and other structures on the ground. Other applications include monitoring environmental changes and vegetation coverage. SAR satellites also help overcome challenges in obtaining data under difficult weather conditions like clouds and rain,' he added that SAR data enables high-quality imagery, oil spill monitoring, and vessel tracking to identify responsible Al Janaahi, Specialist in the Image Processing Section, said, 'Etihad-SAT transmits electromagnetic radar waves towards Earth, which strike various materials and bounce back. The reflectance varies between different materials based on their physical properties. When these waves are reflected back to the satellite, the data is collected and analysed using artificial intelligence to generate high-resolution imagery. This process works effectively in diverse weather conditions and even at night.'According to Abdullah Harmoul, Project Manager for Etihad-SAT, the satellite provides data that benefits various sectors. 'For instance, it assists the maritime sector by monitoring oil spills, supports the agriculture sector, and plays a crucial role in natural disaster management. We have launched this satellite to support the diversification of MBRSC's satellite technologies and to serve development both within the UAE and across the world,' he AlShamsi, Electronic Subsystems Expert at Etihad-SAT, said, 'The electronic system we developed for Etihad-SAT generates the radar waves through which we can scan Earth. This system also controls the intensity of the radar waves to ensure precision in both transmission and reception.' Etihad-SAT Fact File In terms of technical capabilities, Etihad-SAT is one of the highest resolution SAR satellites in the offers multiple imaging modes, including 24/7 imaging, rapid data processing supported by AI, as well as all-weather 220kg, the satellite operates in a low Earth orbit at 500km with dimensions of 3.5m x 1m x optical satellites that capture light waves from the sun, SAR satellites transmit electromagnetic radar waves towards Earth's waves backscatter, allowing the satellite to provide detailed mapping and measurements of monitored satellite has three capturing modes, namely: spot mode (high-resolution capturing, intended for very small areas), scan mode (wide-area coverage intended for large regions), and strip mode (extended observation for longer regions). Developed in strategic partnership with South Korea's Satrec Initiative, MBRSC's team took the lead in technical specifications and finalised the design and manufacturing of the satellite.
Trade Arabia
16-03-2025
- Science
- Trade Arabia
UAE launches first Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite
The UAE's Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) on Saturday announced the successful launch of its first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, Etihad-SAT. The satellite launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket at 10:43 AM (UAE time). The team at the ground station in Dubai subsequently confirmed receiving the first signal from the satellite at 12:04 PM (UAE time), said a Wam news agency report. Etihad-SAT represents a significant milestone in MBRSC's Satellite Development Programme, as the first of its kind satellite equipped with SAR imaging technology. The advanced capability will enhance the Centre's Earth observation capabilities by providing high-resolution images in all weather conditions, while further reinforcing the UAE's commitment to developing innovative space solutions. Etihad-SAT was developed through a strategic partnership with South Korea's Satrec Initiative. MBRSC's team led the technical specifications phase before moving on to preliminary design and technical validation to ensure compliance with the highest global standards. In the later stages, MBRSC engineers took the lead in finalising the design and manufacturing in partnership with Satrec Initiative. The development is in line with MBRSC's commitment to enhancing national space capabilities through knowledge transfer and the localisation of advanced technologies. Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President, MBRSC, said: 'The UAE is steadily advancing towards strengthening its position among the leading nations in space science and technology, guided by the vision of our leadership and its continuous support for this vital sector. We express our gratitude for this support, which has resulted today in a new achievement with the launch of Etihad-SAT. The satellite represents a strategic step in enhancing our Earth observation capabilities and gathering critical data that supports sustainable development. This milestone also paves the way for leveraging space technologies across various fields that serve the nation. We remain dedicated to achieving sustainable technological advancement that strengthens our country's position and solidifies its active role on the global stage.' Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman, MBRSC, said: 'The successful launch of Etihad-SAT is a testament to the support and vision of our leadership, reflecting the progress the UAE is making in the space sector and further reinforcing its contributions in this domain. This achievement reflects our commitment to advancing the UAE National Space Programme and a part of our ambitious strategy to drive innovation and space technology development. It aligns with a long-term vision aimed at empowering future generations to contribute to sustainable progress in space exploration. We will continue to work towards achieving further milestones and reinforce the UAE's position as a key player in this sector.' Ee-Eul Kim, CEO & President, Satrec Initiative, said: 'We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the UAE on the successful launch of Etihad-SAT, a remarkable achievement. This milestone not only strengthens the UAE's capabilities in Earth observation but also highlights the importance of international collaboration. As a long-standing partner, Satrec Initiative is proud to collaborate with MBRSC to develop high-resolution SAR satellite. We look forward to continued cooperation with MBRSC and the UAE in shaping the future of space technology.' Etihad-SAT represents a technological leap in MBRSC's satellite fleet, integrating radar imaging technology with existing optical satellite capabilities. The satellite is equipped with advanced SAR technology that enables high-precision Earth observation across all weather and environmental conditions during both day and night. The satellite offers three imaging modes: spot mode (high-resolution imaging for small areas), scan mode (wide-area coverage for large regions) and strip mode (extended observation for longer regions). These features make Etihad-SAT a powerful tool for multiple industries, from detecting oil spills and managing natural disasters to enhancing maritime navigation, supporting smart agriculture, and conducting environmental monitoring. The data collected by Etihad-SAT will be processed using AI technology, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of its applications. SAR technology is one of the most advanced Earth observation techniques, allowing satellites to capture high-resolution images of the Earth's surface regardless of weather conditions, time of day, or atmospheric interference. Unlike traditional optical cameras, radar imaging relies on radio waves that penetrate clouds, darkness, and even rain, making it a powerful tool for consistent and uninterrupted data collection. The satellite will be operated and managed by MBRSC's Mission Control Centre, with specialised teams overseeing operations and analyse the data transmitted back to Earth.
