Dubai: Space engineers from MBRSC (Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre) are ready to achieve another milestone in their consistently successful journey that started 18 years back by launching the nation’s most advanced Earth imaging satellite – MBZ-SAT. This satellite is announced to be launched into space in January 2025. However, it will be accompanied by a compact satellite, HCT – SAT1.
Created by future space engineers, the students of Higher Colleges of Technologies across the nation, this tiny satellite is so compact and measures only 10 cm on all its sides. Under the mentorship of MBRSC’s space engineers, the HCT students achieved this significant milestone. Their collaboration is expected to make new history in the UAE’s space sector.
UAE’s MBZ-SAT is Set to Launch from California on January 14
The latest accomplishment of the UAE in the space research sector, MBZ-SAT, is all set to be launched from California, United States, on January 14. Accompanying HCT-SAT1, it will head to space from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California and will be lifted by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. This launch is anticipated to revolutionize Earth observation through MBZ-SAT’s unmatched imaging capabilities. This advanced satellite created by MBRSC is named after the respected President, Sheikh Mohammed.
MBRSC’s director-general Salem Humaid Al Marri spoke to Khaleej Times that they are proud to launch two very different space marvels from the nation’s current and future space engineers. One big satellite is built by an experienced team of space engineers, while the other tiny satellite is proof of the innovative approach and capabilities of space research students, the UAE’s future space engineers. He further added that the HCT-SAT programme allows the country’s space program organization to connect with talented HCT students from various colleges across the country. He said that collaborating with the nation’s future space researchers is a matter of pride for them.
MBZ-SAT: Collaboration Between Space Engineers and Students
Students from various campuses of HCT worked together with space engineers at MBRSC’s laboratories to develop the HCT-SAT1 project. During this collaboration, the students get to learn and work under expert guidance. They were allowed to get a better understanding of a satellite’s lifecycle by closely examining and having hands-on experience in its design development, assembly, operational management, etc. This collaboration provided extensive support to the CubeSat curriculum and greatly empowered students and faculty members selected for this collaboration.
The experts from MBRSC said that this collaboration focused on initiating the integration of space research in the educational sector and is another testament to the UAE’s vision of reinforcing its position in the space industry. The Project Manager of MBZ-SAT, Amer AlSayegh AlGhaferi, said that more than 50 HCT students worked together with experts from design and development to operational management and launch of MBZ-SAT. He said they are still in contact with experts and are ready to provide any support required in terms of communication, operation, etc. He further said that this opportunity allowed students to get hands-on experience, guidance from experts, and exposure to space technologies that will help them prepare better to make a career in the space industry in the future.
Extensive Scientific Testing in South Korea and the US
MBZ-SAT was sent for extensive scientific testing in South Korea and the US to confirm its safety during transportation. It was sent to South Korea first after its assembly was finished. AlGhaferi said that the satellite in collaboration with MBRSC was sent for environmental testing. Once the mission was successful there, it was transported to SpaceX for preparation for the final launch.
Reason Behind Delay of MBZ-SAT Mission
MBRSC is all set to launch the advanced MBZ-SAT satellite into space through SpaceX’s rideshare programme, which was introduced 6 years ago. To date, over 200 satellites have been launched through this cost-effective satellite-launching alternative.
The UAE’s Economy Minister, Al Marri, while explaining the delay of this mission, said that anomalies occurred occasionally as SpaceX launched a significant number of rockets into space in October. To avoid anomalies like the return of the first stage and the FAA investigation, the missions’ schedules are sometimes delayed.
He further added that to accommodate high-priority launches, mission schedules are then rescheduled. He said that this rescheduling dynamics is understandable for a company that launches over 100 rockets annually. He said that a slight shift in the previously planned schedule for the mission, which was October-November, was expected. And a delay of some months and rescheduling the mission to January is perfectly fine for them.
MBZ-SAT: Technological Marvel of the UAE
Unparalleled and unmatched imaging results are expected from MBZ-SAT, which is equipped with top-notch technology like a highly accurate navigation system, increased data transfer speeds, and electric propulsion. Environmental monitoring, disaster relief, and infrastructure management will be greatly supported by it, as its automated system will capture, process, and deliver images in under two hours.
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