Emirates Post has issued a commemorative stamp in honour of KhalifaSat. KhalifaSat - which blasted off into orbit from Japan last year - was the first satellite designed and made Emirati engineers. It was built at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai and has been transmitting crystal-clear images back to Earth since its launch. It is envisaged that these pictures will help governments and private companies monitor climate change, respond to disasters and help in urban planning. On Sunday, Dubai Media Office showcased a shot taken by the satellite of the Lyon Olympic Stadium in France where the USA beat the Netherlands in the Fifa Women's World Cup. "KhalifaSat showcases the boundless talent of the UAE and the dedication and passion demonstrated by these young Emiratis is an inspiration to the upcoming generations," said Abdulla M Alashram, acting group chief executive of Emirates Post. Yousuf Al Shaibani, director general of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, said the issuing of a stamp was a celebration of the efforts involved. "Issuing a postage stamp bearing the image of KhalifaSat, the first satellite developed 100 per cent in the UAE by a team of qualified engineers, is a celebration of the national efforts that made it possible for the UAE to join the ranks of countries that develop satellites." Emirates Post has created 90,000 of the stamps and they can be purchased at Emirates Post for Dh3. Special souvenir sheets cost Dh35 at its philately office in Deira. Meanwhile, the launch of the UAE’s newest satellite has been delayed for a second time because of poor weather. FalconEye1 was to be launched from Guiana Space Centre in South America on Monday. Arianespace, the European company behind the launch, said it would announce a new date in due course.
