Sheikh Mohammed praises work of Emirati satellite pioneers

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid praised the trail-blazing work of Emirati engineers as the first in the Arab world to build a satellite without foreign assistance.

The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai’s encouraging words to scientists came when he visited the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre to inspect the progress of the KhalifaSat project.

Initiated by Sheikh Mohammed in 2013, the project is the first satellite to be entirely built by Emirati engineers in a UAE space laboratory and highlights the UAE’s growing expertise in satellite technology.

KhalifaSat is scheduled to launch later this year after a series of rigorous tests.

“Emirati engineers are the first in the Arab world to construct a satellite without foreign assistance. This is a major achievement that signifies the high level of capabilities UAE youth have acquired in space technologies,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“The high level of expertise that Emirati scientists and engineers have developed creates a strong foundation for the future scientific and technological development of the UAE. We are confident that the nation’s space industry sector will continue its strong growth, and emerge as a key component of our economy,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“The development of KhalifaSat is not only a source of pride for Emiratis and Arabs, but also a global achievement that will benefit humanity, and offer scientific solutions for development globally.” Sheikh Mohammed was briefed about the features of KhalifaSat, which include an enhanced digital camera, satellite positioning system, cutting-edge communications, automatic satellite control systems and an advanced target positioning system.

KhalifaSat is the third satellite owned by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre after the launch of Dubai-1 and Dubai-2.

Once the rigorous testing phases are completed, the satellite will be transported to Japan for launch.

When placed into a low Earth orbit of approximately 613 kilometres, the satellite will capture the most detailed imagery commercially available, according to a statement by the space centre.

Sheikh Mohammed was welcomed by the space centre chairman, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Maj Gen Talal Hamid Belhoul Al Falasi and the centre’s director general, Yousuf Al Shaibani.

Sheikh Mohammed said KhalifaSat will add lustre to the reputations of Emirati space scientists