Video: All you need to know about tonight’s launch of UAE satellite MBZ-SAT

Dubai: Moving ahead in the global race to space, the UAE is all set to launch its latest satellite MBZ-SAT, the second Emirati-made satellite, tonight (January 14).

Here is all you need to know about it ahead of the launch from California in the US at 11.09pm in the UAE.

It is an Earth observation satellite measuring 3mx5m and weighing 750kg.

It is fully developed by Emirati engineers at Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), Dubai.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced it in 2020 as the fourth Earth observation satellite to be launched by MBRSC, after KhalifaSat—the first Emirati-made satellite that was launched in 2018—and DubaiSat-1 and DubaiSat-2 that were launched in 2009 and 2013 respectively.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid chose the initials of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was then the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

“The name was chosen in honour of the achievements he has contributed to, of which we are proud of among nations,” he had then said.

MBZ-SAT represents a milestone in the UAE’s space exploration journey, showcasing cutting-edge Earth observation capabilities. It is the most advanced commercial satellite in the region that will provide unprecedented high-resolution images and rapidly deliver data to users worldwide through an automated, 24/7 imaging system.

It will provide detailed images for various applications including environmental monitoring, navigation, infrastructure management, and disaster relief, significantly aiding in the assessment and response to natural calamities.

MBZ-SAT will have double the image capture accuracy, four times faster data transfer speeds and produce 10 times more images, than current capabilities, thanks to its automated scheduling and processing system. It can take extremely close-up mages with every pixel covering less than 30cm.

These images will be processed and delivered in under two hours and provide insights to enable decision-makers to act swiftly and effectively.

With advanced electric propulsion, a navigation system accurate to one metre, and a star tracking system, the satellite delivers unparalleled precision in imaging locations. Its high-resolution camera and enhanced data transfer speeds solidify its position as a game-changer in the field of Earth observation

It is a continuation of the UAE’s broader role in fostering a sustainable, science-driven economy while enhancing the quality of life for people globally through advanced satellite capabilities.

The development of MBZ-SAT has also catalysed economic growth in the UAE by fostering a robust local aerospace ecosystem.

Nearly 90 per cent of the satellite’s mechanical structures and a significant portion of its electronic modules were produced in collaboration with UAE-based companies such as Strata, EPI, Rockford Xellerix, Halcon, Falcon, and EGA.

This partnership-driven approach not only enhances the UAE’s capabilities in space technology but also ensures the transfer of critical knowledge and skills to local talent, securing a competitive edge for the nation in the global space exploration journey.

After its development in the UAE, MBZ-SAT was transported to the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) in South Korea, where comprehensive environmental testing was successfully completed.

These rigorous tests, designed to ensure the satellite’s resilience under the extreme conditions of space, included Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing, Vibration testing, Acoustic testing, and Mass Properties testing.

After the tests in South Korea, the satellite was transported to the launch site at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA for launch preparations.

The launch is scheduled to take place from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at the Vandenberg Space Force Base aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. It is scheduled to launch later tonight with a 27-minute window opening at 10.49pm in the UAE. It will be launched into Low Earth Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) which is 500 to 550km away from Earth.

A low Earth Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) is an orbit in which a satellite has the same position relative to the Sun and thus passes over the same region of Earth at the same time every day. This allows for the study of changes to a specific area of Earth over time.

The launch is part of SpaceX’s Transporter-12 Rideshare mission. Transporter-12 is a dedicated smallsat rideshare mission with 131 payloads, including CubeSats, MicroSats, and orbital transfer vehicles carrying 30 of those payloads, 14 of which will be deployed at a later time, according to SpaceX.

The launch journey lasts 15–20 minutes, after which the satellite is injected into an orbit at an altitude of approximately 550 kilometers. Automatic steps follow, including deploying solar panels, system checks, and ensuring functionality. Communication with the satellite is then established via the ground station.

The first signal from MBZ-SAT is expected approximately 1 hour and 22 minutes after the launch, as it passes over Norway. The team’s priority is to confirm the spacecraft’s health and establish communication. Following this, operational procedures will begin, leading to imaging, with the first image likely to be captured over the UAE.

Once operational in low Earth orbit, MBZ-SAT will be managed from the Mission Control Centre at MBRSC, with teams monitoring its operations and analysing data transmitted back to Earth.

The satellite uses an automated software, reducing human intervention by running scripts that collect and analyse telemetry data. These scripts can detect abnormalities, if any, and can alert engineering teams. Additionally, Artificial Intelligence will be used to analyse large amounts of data collected over time

Mission: High-resolution imagery for mapping, environmental monitoring, navigation, infrastructure management, and disaster relief.

Mass: 750 kg

Dimensions: 3 m x 5 m

Launch Date: January 14, 2025

Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket

Launch Site: Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E), Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, USA

Altitude: 500-550 km (Low Earth orbit SSO)

Time to complete one orbit: 90 minutes

Data transfer speed 4x than current capability

Image generation: 10x more than current capability

Image area size: Less than 30cm