The MBZ-SAT, the most sophisticated Earth-imaging satellite of the UAE, is ready to deploy on January 14, 2025, at 10:49 pm UAE time, from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, USA. This will be the second fully Emirati satellite built by engineers through the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). Apart from the MBZ-SAT, a small CubeSat called HCT-SAT 1 will also be launched as part of the mission.
The launch was originally set for October 2024, on board SpaceX’s Falcon 9, but MBZ-SAT got delayed due to technical glitches. Now, the satellite would be launched by SpaceX under the rideshare program, an inexpensive option compared to conventional launch facilities, for spaceward activities. Since its inception in 2019, this program has witnessed successful deployment of over 200 satellites. The telecast of the launch will start at 9:30 pm, UAE time, at live.mbrsc.ae.
MBZ-SAT, known for the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed, is said to have the potential of changing the face of Earth observation because of its state-of-the-art imaging technologies. This satellite, weighing around 700 kg, has a totally automated scheduling and processing system, capable of faking ten times the present image retrieval capacity of the MBRSC, making satellite capabilities for Earth monitoring enormously expanded in space and furthering the UAE space program.
For example, this project also highlights the UAE’s efforts in developing its future space workforce. The HCT-SAT 1 Cubesat, which will be entirely designed and built by students, is the country’s pledge to empower the next generation of aspiring space adventurers. Around 50 students from across the UAE were involved in the program to develop the satellite.
According to Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director-General of MBRSC, a team of seven engineers has been deployed in the US. Another team is set in Dubai, marking time around the clock to ensure the success of the launch. He added that the mission fills him with pride as it is both at once the cutting edge technology of the advanced MBZ-SAT and another one created by the students driving innovation at HCT-SAT 1.
Currently, the UAE boasts 10 satellites orbiting, along with eight others already in development. Once MBZ-SAT has been launched with successful results, the strength of the UAE in the international space arena will increase and further open up the space for its journey toward becoming a leader in space exploration and technology.
