The UAE is making final preparations for the launch of MBZ-SAT, its advanced Earth-observation satellite, scheduled for later this month. Named after President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the satellite highlights the nation’s growing achievements in space exploration.

MBZ-SAT, fully developed by Emirati engineers at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), has undergone extensive testing at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), successfully passing rigorous environmental checks. It was later transported to Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, where its final launch preparations are currently underway.

This cutting-edge satellite stands out for its advanced imaging capabilities, offering twice the accuracy of earlier models and capturing ten times more imagery. It features an automated system capable of processing and delivering images in less than two hours, aiding critical areas such as environmental monitoring, disaster relief, and infrastructure management.

Equipped with electric propulsion, a highly accurate navigation system, and faster data transfer speeds, MBZ-SAT is set to redefine precision in Earth observation. Remarkably, nearly 90% of its mechanical components and key electronic modules were developed in collaboration with UAE-based companies, supporting the growth of the local aerospace industry.

Once launched into low Earth orbit, MBZ-SAT will be operated from MBRSC’s Mission Control Centre, further boosting the UAE’s reputation as a leader in space technology. This launch marks another significant step in the nation’s ambitious space programme.