Latest news with #UAENationalSpaceProgramme
Zawya
06-04-2025
- Science
- Zawya
Geospatial Week 2025 hosted by MBRSC set to begin tomorrow
Dubai – UAE: Geospatial Week 2025 (GSW 2025), hosted by Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), in collaboration with the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS), is all set to begin tomorrow at the World Trade Centre in Dubai. The event, running from 7 to 11 April 2025, under the theme 'Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing for a Better Tomorrow,' will welcome leading voices from around the globe to explore the latest advancements in geospatial science and technology. GSW 2025 promises an engaging five-day programme featuring a wide range of workshops, plenary sessions, oral and poster presentations, as well as a comprehensive scientific exhibition spotlighting pioneering technologies and solutions from both local and international geospatial companies. The event is designed to facilitate high-level knowledge exchange and dynamic networking opportunities, attracting industry leaders, satellite operations executives, researchers, academicians, innovators, and young professionals. With a focus on enabling new partnerships and collaborative efforts, GSW 2025 aims to accelerate progress in spatial sciences and promote sustainable applications of photogrammetry and remote sensing. GSW 2025 aims to strengthen communication within the ISPRS community and beyond, ensuring that its activities gain increased visibility and impact each year. The event also presents an excellent opportunity for sustaining members to engage in ISPRS activities and contribute to the organisation's mission. -Ends- For Media Queries: MBRSC Media Team - mbrsc@ ABOUT MOHAMMED BIN RASHID SPACE CENTRE (MBSRC): MBRSC is an advanced scientific and technological hub, responsible for making the UAE a world leader in space services and exploration. Starting with a small team of dedicated engineers in 2006, MBRSC has grown into the incubator of the UAE National Space Programme, fostering scientific research, and building a sustainable space sector in the UAE. MBRSC is home to the Satellite Development Programme, UAE Astronaut Programme, and Emirates Lunar Mission, among others. Under its satellite programme, the Centre has built, developed, and operated several Earth observation satellites, including DubaiSat-1; DubaiSat-2; KhalifaSat, the first satellite that was fully built by Emiratis; MBZ-SAT, the most advanced satellite in the region and the recently launched Etihad-SAT, the Centre's first SAR satellite. MBRSC is also developing the Emirates Airlock, a crew and science airlock module for the Gateway lunar space station, humanity's first international outpost to orbit the Moon. Additionally, the UAE will also be sending an Emirati astronaut on a Moon mission. Under the UAE Astronaut Programme, MBRSC currently has four astronauts, two of who have undertaken missions to the International Space Station, including the longest Arab space mission in history by H.E. Dr. Sultan Saif AlNeyadi.
Gulf Insider
16-03-2025
- Science
- Gulf Insider
Look: UAE Satellite Etihad-SAT Beams Back First Signal to Earth
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced receiving the first signal from Etihad-SAT, its first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite. It represents a technological leap in MBRSC's satellite fleet, integrating radar imaging technology with existing optical satellite capabilities. 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. Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of MBRSC, noted that the UAE is steadily advancing towards strengthening its position among the leading nations in space science and technology, guided by the vision and support of the leadership. 'This milestone paves the way for leveraging space technologies across various fields that serve the nation.' 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. Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, said the successful launch of Etihad-SAT reflects the progress made by the UAE in the space sector. 'This achievement reflects our commitment to advancing the UAE National Space Programme and is part of our ambitious strategy to drive innovation and space technology development.' Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, said the achievement highlights the UAE's capability to develop cutting-edge space technologies while maintaining strategic partnerships with the global space community. 'These collaborations are essential for knowledge exchange and advancing joint efforts, ultimately helping us achieve ambitious goals in space science and technology.' Ee-Eul Kim, CEO & President, Satrec Initiative, said the milestone highlights the importance of international collaboration. 'We look forward to continued cooperation with MBRSC and the UAE in shaping the future of space technology.' Asmaa AlJanaahi, Specialist, Image Processing Section at MBRSC, Asmaa pointed out that the data provided by Etihad-SAT will be processed using AI-powered technologies. 'Etihad-SAT transmits electromagnetic radar waves towards Earth, which then strikes various materials and bounce back. The reflectance varies between different materials based on their physical properties,' Asmaa said. 'When these waves are reflected back to the satellite, it collects data that is analysed using artificial intelligence to generate high-resolution imagery. The process functions effectively in different weather conditions and even at night,' she noted. Abdullah Harmoul, Project Manager, Etihad-SAT, explained the imaging modes used by the advanced SAR satellite for Earth observation. 'The Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite Etihad-SAT provides precise imaging of Earth in three modes. The first one is spot mode, which covers small areas with higher resolution imaging. The second is scan mode, which provides wider area coverage, and the third is strip mode, which provides longer coverage,' Harmoul said. 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 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.
Yemen Online
15-03-2025
- Science
- Yemen Online
UAE satellite Etihad-SAT beams back first signal to Earth
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced receiving the first signal from Etihad-SAT, its first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite. It represents a technological leap in MBRSC's satellite fleet, integrating radar imaging technology with existing optical satellite capabilities. 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. Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of MBRSC, noted that the UAE is steadily advancing towards strengthening its position among the leading nations in space science and technology, guided by the vision and support of the leadership. 'This milestone paves the way for leveraging space technologies across various fields that serve the nation.' Strategic partnership 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. Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, said the successful launch of Etihad-SAT reflects the progress made by the UAE in the space sector. 'This achievement reflects our commitment to advancing the UAE National Space Programme and is part of our ambitious strategy to drive innovation and space technology development.' Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, said the achievement highlights the UAE's capability to develop cutting-edge space technologies while maintaining strategic partnerships with the global space community. 'These collaborations are essential for knowledge exchange and advancing joint efforts, ultimately helping us achieve ambitious goals in space science and technology.' Ee-Eul Kim, CEO & President, Satrec Initiative, said the milestone highlights the importance of international collaboration. 'We look forward to continued cooperation with MBRSC and the UAE in shaping the future of space technology.' 'A powerful tool' Asmaa AlJanaahi, Specialist, Image Processing Section at MBRSC, Asmaa pointed out that the data provided by Etihad-SAT will be processed using AI-powered technologies. 'Etihad-SAT transmits electromagnetic radar waves towards Earth, which then strikes various materials and bounce back. The reflectance varies between different materials based on their physical properties,' Asmaa said. 'When these waves are reflected back to the satellite, it collects data that is analysed using artificial intelligence to generate high-resolution imagery. The process functions effectively in different weather conditions and even at night,' she noted. Abdullah Harmoul, Project Manager, Etihad-SAT, explained the imaging modes used by the advanced SAR satellite for Earth observation. 'The Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite Etihad-SAT provides precise imaging of Earth in three modes. The first one is spot mode, which covers small areas with higher resolution imaging. The second is scan mode, which provides wider area coverage, and the third is strip mode, which provides longer coverage,' Harmoul said. 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 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.
Gulf Today
15-03-2025
- Science
- Gulf Today
Etihad-SAT sends first signal after its successful launch
The 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). 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.
