MBRSC manufacturing KhalifaSat to "kick start the satellite industry in the UAE"
KhalifaSat, an advanced Earth observation satellite manufactured by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in Dubai, UAE, has the potential to kick start the satellite industry in the UAE and the wider Middle East, according to Project Manager, Amer Al Sayegh.
In an interview given with the UAE's space science and technology magazine, Majarat. Al Sayegh explained that although KhalifaSat will become the most advanced satellite launched thus far by MBRSC, there are more objectives behind the project than the amelioration of the space centre's image processing and supply services.
"KhalifaSat is more than just a satellite, it's making a contribution towards establishing the space industry here. I think it's the defining project that will energise and kick start the whole thing to put us in a position where we can compete internationally," Al Sayegh told the magazine.
Sending a Message
"It's not just about being able to supply more advanced images to our clients, I think the fact we've designed and are manufacturing it ourselves sends a good message to the world. When we send KhalifaSat, I would say people will feel more comfortable with our capabilities and will take us very seriously. That's a big aspect of it for me. It will help to grow our reputation," he continued.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre already manages two satellites in orbit, DubaiSat-1 and DuabiSat-2. However, the KhalifaSat project will represent the first time Emirati nationals have designed and manufactured a satellite entirely themselves on UAE soil.
When the manufacture and testing phases are complete, KhalifaSat will launch in 2018 aboard a Mitsubishi rocket destined for its Low Geostationary Orbit, where with a resolution of 0.7 metres, it will begin capturing stunning imagery to order for governments and private entities across the world in startling detail.
More Targets
The UAE government has earmarked the space sector as being one of those critical to its continued push towards an economy completely devoid of a reliance upon oil. MBRSC is one of the entities tasked with inspiring the next generation of Emirati nationals to become inspired by science and technology; two core skill areas that the national workforce for any nation requires.
The target to inspire the young across the UAE can only be met with the announcement and fulfilment of exciting missions, of which KhalifaSat is one, and the Emirates Mars Mission is another. More are expected to be announced within due course.
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