All systems go: UAE's MBZ-Sat sends first signal back to Earth

The powerful Earth imaging satellite lifted off on a SpaceX rideshare mission along with three other Emirati satellites late on Tuesday

The UAE's MBZ-Sat, the region’s most advanced Earth observation satellite, has been launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. All photos: Dubai Media Office

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre said the satellite was launched successfully at 11.09pm (UAE time) on Tuesday

The MBRSC team monitors the launch of MBZ-Sat

MBZ-Sat is named in honour of President Sheikh Mohamed

The MBRSC team watches take-off

The moment is celebrated by everyone involved

The UAE's MBZ-Sat has beamed back its first signal from space following its historic launch on Tuesday night, confirming “all systems are operating efficiently” on the region's most advanced Earth observation satellite.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) on Wednesday said the satellite had now begun its mission to deliver data supporting global development, in a message shared on social media.

The launch of the satellite has been heralded as a major step forward for the UAE's space programme, which has made significant progress in recent years.

There was jubilation in the MBRSC on Tuesday night as the satellite blasted off into orbit shortly after 11pm, UAE time.

Engineers sat in neat rows, eyes fixed on glowing monitors displaying live telemetry data and visuals of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that carried MBZ-Sat into orbit from a spaceport in California.

“We have successfully launched MBZ-Sat, the region's most advanced satellite, marking a new milestone in the UAE’s space technology development,” Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, posted on X.

High-resolution imaging

MBZ-Sat, named after President Sheikh Mohamed, is a 700kg optical imaging satellite that has been developed by Emirati engineers, with most of its parts manufactured by local industry in a boost for the private sector.

MBRSC claims it is the most-advanced imaging satellite in the region, with a fully automated image scheduling and processing system that will allow it produce 10 times more images than the space centre did before. It is three times more powerful than KhalifaSat, an Emirati-built satellite operating since 2018. MBZ-Sat's downlink data transmission speed will be three times faster than its predecessor's.

While MBZ-Sat took the spotlight on Tuesday evening, three other satellites were on board the rideshare mission by SpaceX, which monitored the overall flight and deployment of the satellite from mission control in the US. MBRSC's role was to monitor the condition of MBZ-Sat, while tracking the status of the launch.

MBZ-Sat was announced in 2020, with an anticipated launch date of 2023. However, adjustments to timetables are common in space flight given the complexity of satellite development and the co-ordination required with launch providers.

Foresight-2: Efforts by local industry

Foresight-2, developed by AI-powered space technology company Space42, is a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite that was also launched on Tuesday. Unlike traditional optical imaging satellites, SAR technology allows Foresight-2 to capture high-resolution images regardless of the weather or time of day. This makes it invaluable for applications such as environmental monitoring, defence and disaster management.

Space42 was formed after a merger between Bayanat, a company responsible for processing satellite data, and satellite services company Yahsat. The merger helped create one of the world’s most valuable listed space companies. Hasan Al Hosani, chief executive of Bayanat Smart Solutions at Space42, told The National the satellite is part of Space42’s Foresight constellation programme, which aims to deliver real-time radar imagery for commercial and government clients.

“In less than six months since our first SAR satellite launch Foresight-1, Space42 has expanded its Earth observation capabilities following the successful deployment of the second phase of our Foresight Constellation,” he said. “Space42 plans to expand its leading position globally in this sector, creating a comprehensive SAR constellation, which is expected to be completed by 2027 to establish sovereign satellite data acquisition and processing capabilities.”

HCT-1 and AlAinSat-1: Students reach for the stars

Two CubeSats, or miniature satellites, built by students in the UAE were also on board the rocket on Tuesday. AlAinSat-1 was the first satellite launched by UAE University in Al Ain. It has been designed to use advanced imaging technology and machine learning to study vegetation, monitor environmental changes, and autonomously select and download valuable images for analysis.

Meanwhile, the Higher Colleges of Technology in Dubai launched its HCT-1, a CubeSat built by its students in collaboration with the MBRSC. It is equipped with technology to conduct basic Earth observation and communication experiments. Both CubeSats are the result of UAE efforts to integrate space education into its academic institutions, inspiring young talent to contribute to the nation’s growing space sector.