January 18, 2025

MBZ-SAT Transmits First Signal After Historic Launch

The UAE’s most advanced Earth-imaging satellite, MBZ-SAT, has begun its mission, transmitting its first signal from orbit shortly after its successful launch. The satellite was deployed on Tuesday, January 14 from California’s Vandenberg Air Force Base aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.

Developed entirely by Emirati engineers at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), MBZ-SAT is designed to revolutionise Earth-imaging capabilities. It offers double the image resolution, a tenfold increase in image collection, and data transmission speeds four times faster than current technologies. These features are set to support global sustainability and development efforts, marking a significant achievement for the UAE's space ambitions.

The launch was celebrated across the UAE with special gestures. Visitors arriving at Dubai Airports received passports stamped with a commemorative MBZ-SAT emblem, while the Burj Khalifa lit up in anticipation of the event, transforming into a beacon showcasing the satellite orbiting Earth.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, hailed the milestone as a testament to the UAE's innovative spirit and its commitment to harnessing space technology for global benefit. With its mission now underway, MBZ-SAT is expected to play a crucial role in improving data collection and analysis for a range of applications, from environmental monitoring to urban development.

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