KHALIFASAT LAUNCHED
Our head is in the sky today: Mohammed
DUBAI: Marking a new milestone that adds to the UAE’S achievements and a new phase in the development of the national space sector, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, MBRSC, announced the successful launch of the Emirati satellite Khalifasat into orbit. Khalifasat is the first Emirati satellite to be 100 per cent developed at the facilities of MBRSC in the UAE by Emirati engineers.
One of the most advanced earth observation satellites, Khalifasat was launched from the Tanegashima Space Centre in Japan, aboard the H-IIA rocket at 1:08 pm Japan time (8:08 am UAE time).
Khalifasat is two metres high and weighs only 330kg. Its speed is estimated at 7km/s, which enables it to orbit the Earth almost 14 and a half cycles daily. It has bagged five patents and developed seven space innovations that have given the satellite an enhanced digital camera;
fast image download and high-speed communication capabilities from its position anywhere above the world; an automatic satellite control system with increased storage capacity; a satellite positioning technique that allows it to simultaneously capture multiple 3D images; as well as advanced target positioning for capturing high quality images with pinpoint accuracy and high speed.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said A new historic day for UAE: Launch of Khalifasat, irst Arab 100 per cent Emirati-made satellite, a national station where Emiratis have proved their ability, maturity, knowledge and mettle in a race with the world. Our head is in the sky today.
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of Dubai Executive Council and MBRSC Chairman followed the irst contact made by the satellite with the ground station at the Centre.