DubaiSat-1 reaches its Kazakh launchpad

The DubaiSat-1 satellite has been shipped from its development base in South Korea to the launchpad at Baikonour, Kazakhstan, where it is due to blast off in 17 days.

DubaiSat-1 is the first remote sensing satellite to be developed by a UAE organisation, the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST).

"A joint UAE-Korean team is currently testing all the systems and equipment, which will take a week, before they are installed on the launch vehicle," said Ahmed Al Mansoori, Director-General and Vice-Chair of EIAST's Board of Directors.

And a spokesman said DubaiSat-1 was a stepping stone in the UAE's attempt to create sound infrastructure that will enable the collection of space and earth observation data to power the comprehensive development of the nation.

"The satellite highlights the commitment of EIAST to create a knowledge-based economy by leveraging the advances in satellite technology," he added.

Images from DubaiSat-1 will be used for many purposes including urban development, scientific research, telecommunications, transportation, civil engineering and construction, mapping and geographic information systems.

EIAST is focusing on research in four areas – observing and forecasting fog, the use of satellite pictures for predicting sandstorms, the quality of water in the Gulf region and ways to improve the clarity of satellite pictures.

Keep up with the latest business news from the region with the daily Emirates Business 24|7 newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, please click here.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.