MBZ-SAT to monitor Earth this month, say officials

The MBZ-Sat is scheduled for Earth monitoring operations in January, following its launch into a low orbit at an altitude of 500-550km.

In a 29-second-video, published on the X platform by the MBR Space Centre, it was explained objectives of the mission of the most advanced satellite in the region, which is scheduled for imminent launch. It basically aims at reinforcing the Emirati human capabilities, promoting sustainable environment for the space sector in the country, supporting the UAE's global position in developing space technology, and serving various sectors.

Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General of the Center, stated via a tweet on the "X" that the most advanced satellite in the region had been successfully completed. This achievement was made possible by the support of the wise leadership and the efforts of the mission team, representing a significant milestone following 20 years of experience in space. The satellite's development has been hailed as a substantial leap forward for the national space industry sector. Furthermore, following years of dedicated efforts, the launch date for the MBX-SAT satellite mission is imminent.

In a subsequent one-minute video, Ammar Al Muhairi, the mission's Ground Systems Development Operations Officer, reviewed the ground systems between the satellite and its condition, as well as the analysis of its software. During this process, the team transmits imaging commands, then downloads the data, and subsequently processes and improves it.

He stated that the most significant moment during the development of the satellite was the successful operation of the various systems that had been developed over the years. However, the most important moment will be when receiving the first image from the MBZ-SAT and the subsequent processing of this image.

The MBZ-SAT is scheduled to be launched aboard a reusable SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The launch journey is expected to take 15 minutes to reach orbit. The satellite will be operated and monitored from the mission control room at the centre in the Al Khawaneej area of Dubai.