Khalifasat successfully enters orbit
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 irst 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).
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.
Sheikh Hamdan congratulated President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and the entire nation on this achievement. The Dubai Crown Prince said that this accomplishment is another milestone in securing a bright future for the nation. He noted the UAE has all the assets required to achieve excellence in advanced sciences.
Sheikh Hamdan added, “Today, we CELEBRATE A signiicant national ACHIEVEMENT. This project has been 100 percent developed by Emiratis. The UAE is a key partner in the global efforts to make the world a happier and better place through SCIENTIIC ADVANCES. WE thank the team that launched Khalifasat and encourage them to work harder to bring more achievements to this great nation.”
DIGNITARIES
The launch of Khalifasat was attended by Dr Ahmad Bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Cabinet Member, Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Space Agency; Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of MBRSC; Khalid Al Ameri, UAE Ambassador to Japan; Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Director-general of MBRSC; Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director-general of the UAE Space Agency, and Salem Humaid Al Marri, Assistant Director-general for SCIENTIIC AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS At MBRSC
Khalifasat entered into a low earth orbit at an altitude of approximately 613 kilometers at 9:33am, 85 minutes AFTER Its launch. THE irst signal was successfully received at the ground station at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre. At a later stage, Khalifasat will capture and deliver high-quality detailed images of Earth to the ground station at MBRSC, Dubai. At 70cm per pixel panchromatic and 2.98 metres per pixel in multi-spectrum, Khalifasat can provide images that meet the highest international standards. These detailed high-resolution images can help government and private sector organisations get accurate data for monitoring environmental changes, detecting the effects of global warming, ensuring responsible urban planning and management, and aiding relief efforts at times of natural disasters. These images can also support the effort to achieve sustainable development goals and improve the quality of life.
SEVEN SPACE INNOVATIONS
Khalifasat is two metres high and weighs only 330 kg. Its speed is estimated at 7km/s, which enables it to orbit the Earth almost 14 and a half cycles daily. It HAS BAGGED ive 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.
LEADERSHIP PRAISED
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori said, “WE ARE proud of THE successful launch of Khalifasat, which bears the name of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. Launching this satellite during the Year of Zayed emphasises the determination of Emiratis to achieve the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who believed that building a nation begins with investing in its people who are the foundation of any development and real progress. His legacy is continued through the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of THE UAE ARMED Forces. WE ARE GUIDED by the vision of our leadership to make the UAE one of the best countries in the world. WE ARE Honoured to relect this vision in our projects and achievements and today’s success cements MBRSC’S contribution to the UAE’S advancement and leadership in developing satellites.”
ADVANCED POSITIONING SYSTEM
Khalifasat contains an advanced positioning system that allows a large number of 3D images to be captured at once, with excellent accuracy and speed. The images will be used to monitor environmental changes and the impact of global warming, effectively manage urban planning, and support relief efforts during natural disasters. It also has a large storage capacity and ability to download images and data at high speed, allowing more images to be captured in less time.
YOUTH
Commenting on the launch, Yousuf Al SHAIBANI SAID, “WE DEDICATE this new Emirati achievement to our wise leadership who believes in the capabilities of young Emirati men and women. The leadership has provided them with all the necessary resources to design and BUILD THE irst EMIRATI satellite At THE Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre. WE Also DEDICATE this ACHIEVEMENT to HIS Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and President of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, who closely monitored the progress of the design and launch of Khalifasat.
HEXAGONALLY DESIGNED
The hexagonally designed satellite is powered by four deployable solar panels attached to the sides of the satellite bus. There are two decks within the structure, as well as an upper sun shield made of a Carbon ibre REINFORCED polymer (CFRP) that protects the sensitive camera system From temperature luctuations and radiation.
Amer Al Sayegh said, “Khalifasat has demonstrated that Emiratis are capable of enhancing the UAE’S position as a global hub for the space industry. It has also proved the success of Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre’s strategy of preparing and training Emiratis to develop innovations.”
PROJECT is 100% DEVELOPED BY THE EMIRATIS