DubaiSat-1 set for launch on July 25

The Dh180 million DubaiSat-1 remote sensing satellite, designed to collect data on the earth and space, is to be launched on July 25.

The Dubai-based Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (Eiast) announced this a week after the Abu Dhabi-based Al Yah Satellite Communications Company said it would launch its first satellite, Yahsat, by the end of 2010.

"DubaiSat-1 and Yahsat are totally different," said Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, Chairman of the Board at Eiast. "DubaiSat-1 is designed for tasks such as imaging while Yahsat will be used for telecommunications and broadcasting. However, they will complement each other. The UAE is playing a major role by providing services that complement each other and help to create a better economy and improved customer service.

"DubaiSat-1 will play a key role in strengthening the social and economic development of the country while positioning the UAE in the space research arena.

"The satellite will provide data that will assist in various fields of urban development as well as socio-economic growth and environmental research such as land studies, sea pollution, migratory patterns of birds, agricultural research and management of natural disasters."

Al Ghanim said Eiast's focus had been on involving UAE nationals in the development of the project in terms of design, manufacturing, participation in the launch and the related post-launch operations.

"We look forward to projects such as this in the future that will be designed and manufactured in the UAE. This project will open up new horizons for the country and its people."

Ahmed Al Mansoori, Director-General and Vice-Chairman of the Board, said: "With the launch of DubaiSat-1 we are reiterating our determination to stren-gthen the involvement of UAE nationals in space technology research.

"The project involved the expertise of several young UAE nationals who made a considerable contribution, representing more than 30 per cent of the implementation, to the project."

DubaiSat-1 will be launched in conjunction with the Russian Space Agency from a base in Kazakhstan. The satellite has been designed to orbit the earth for a minimum of five years. It will provide high-resolution imaging and remote sensing for civilian use.

Al Mansoori added: "The DubaiSat-1 project has been wholly financed by the Dubai Government. There are plans to proceed to DubaiSat-2 and -3 in the future. We look forward to realising our dream on July 25."

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