DubaiSat 1 to blast off later this year

The UAE's eye in the sky satellite is ready for launch, it was revealed yesterday.

DubaiSat 1 has been developed by Satrec Initiative in South Korea with the participation of UAE engineers from the Emirates Institute for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST). The remote sensing and Earth observation satellite will be launched later this year aboard a Russian rocket through the Moscow-based International Space Company Kosmotras.

DubaiSat 1 is one of the most advanced small satellites of its type.

"Developing a core team of UAE scientists and experts was the highlight of a strategy that is geared to support mature, knowledge-based development," said EIAST Director General Ahmed Obaid Al Mansoori.

The development team is already finalising designs for DubaiSat 2 and will continue with its plans to create a fleet of satellites. The design concept is being developed and strategic partners for its construction are being selected. The new satellite is intended to be the top of its class when it is launched in 2012.