UAE’s Etihad-SAT to Enhance Disaster Management and Maritime Monitoring with Advanced SAR Technology
The UAE's latest satellite, Etihad-SAT, is scheduled for launch in the first week of March 2025 aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base, according to an announcement by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). This milestone marks a major advancement in the UAE’s space sector, as Etihad-SAT will be the country’s first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite.
Cutting-Edge Capabilities for Disaster Management and Environmental Monitoring
Equipped with advanced SAR imaging technology, Etihad-SAT is designed to significantly improve disaster management, oil spill detection, maritime navigation, smart agriculture, and environmental monitoring. The satellite’s capabilities allow it to provide high-resolution imaging under all weather conditions, day and night, making it a valuable asset for Earth observation.
Three Imaging Modes for Versatile Observation
Etihad-SAT will feature three imaging modes:
- Spot Mode – Captures high-resolution images of small areas for detailed analysis.
- Scan Mode – Offers wide-area coverage for monitoring larger regions.
- Strip Mode – Provides extended observation over specific locations.
Unlike traditional optical satellites, SAR technology utilizes radar signals that can penetrate clouds, darkness, and rain, ensuring reliable and continuous data collection.
Sheikh Hamdan Highlights UAE’s Space Ambitions
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, shared the news on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
He stated:
"We are delighted to announce the completion of our latest space project, Etihad-SAT, an advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite set to launch in March 2025."
Sheikh Hamdan further emphasized the UAE’s commitment to space exploration, highlighting that Etihad-SAT was developed through a strategic partnership between MBRSC and South Korea’s Satrec Initiative.
"Our ambitions in the space sector know no bounds. We firmly believe in the capabilities of our youth to strengthen the UAE’s global leadership in space exploration and help shape a brighter future for humanity powered by knowledge and innovation," he added.
Two Years of Development in Partnership with Satrec Initiative
The development of Etihad-SAT began two years ago as part of a knowledge-transfer program in collaboration with South Korea’s Satrec Initiative. The MBRSC team initially focused on defining the satellite’s specifications before moving on to preliminary design and technical testing to ensure compliance with the highest industry standards.
In the next phase, MBRSC engineers led the final design and manufacturing in collaboration with experts from Satrec Initiative, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to global cooperation in space technology.
Enhancing UAE’s Position in the Global Space Industry
Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, stated:
"Etihad-SAT is the result of our collaboration with Satrec Initiative as part of a knowledge-transfer programme, marking a new milestone that enables us to gain expertise in SAR satellite development. With its advanced capabilities, the satellite will support many vital sectors in the UAE. This mission is a testament to our commitment to developing innovative space solutions that contribute to sustainable development, strengthen the national economy, and enhance the UAE’s standing in the global space industry."
The successful launch of Etihad-SAT will further solidify the UAE’s role as a leader in space technology and earth observation innovations.
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