The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has announced 10 new innovative space technologies and satellite applications, distributed among KhalifaSat, Nayif-1, SAFIY and Semi-Supervised classification tool for DubaiSat-2 multispectral images. Most of the innovative technologies are designed to meet the needs and requirements of their users, inside and outside the UAE.

This was announced during the UAE Innovation Week, which is in line with the directives of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to mark 2015 as the ‘Year of Innovation’ and also builds on the ‘National Innovation Strategy’, which was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Among the ten innovations presented, KhalifaSat project highlighted seven new innovations - A digital camera with an enhanced light meter for better image resolution, developing techniques to increase image download and communication speed with the satellite anywhere in the world, as well as satellite positioning techniques that allow capturing a higher number of 3D images.

The team also worked on developing the target positioning system which makes the satellite one of the best satellites in the world that provide high-quality images with high-speed response and an accurate location system. KhalifaSat innovations also include the development of automatic satellite control system through upgrading the primary satellite computer's operating system and increasing its storage capacity.

The innovations are a result of an extensive study of users' needs of government institutions and private sectors, which were translated into practical ideas that were then applied to the satellite in order to meet the users' requirements and keep pace with their aspirations. More than 45 Emirati engineers, who work at the Center, took part in the development of these innovations in KhalifaSat, the first satellite to be developed purely by Emirati nationals and expertise at MBRSC's Space Technologies Laboratories.

Moreover, Saeed Al Mansouri, Acting Head of the Applications Development and Analysis Center at MBRSC, has developed an image processing application for space images captured by DubaiSat-2 called the ‘Semi-Supervised classification tool for DubaiSat-2 multispectral images’. Although there are several commercial applications with similar features, the innovative technique of this tool lies in its parameters that are designed to be commensurate with DubaiSat-2 images. This increases its accuracy and makes it easier to use, providing precise figures on the categories entered by users.

This tool is aimed at giving decision-makers in the UAE accurate analytical results of urban developments in the country, whether buildings on land or removed facilities, as well as highlighting the changes taking place in both the vegetative and aquatic covers. It constitutes a qualitative leap in terms of the development of technical software used in the image processing sector and space analysis in the country, as it will serve a large segment of public and private service institutions, such as municipalities, RTA, and the Ministry of Environment and Water, and will also be useful in studies and research carried out by universities and educational institutions in the UAE. The application was programmed based on recommendations and expertise of MBRSC's engineering team

Nayif-1, on the other hand, will have an active control system that hadn't been launched before to space aboard of 1U CubeSat (10×10×10cm). This control system is designed to accurately locate the satellite in space and preserve its stability during operation. Nayif-1 is scheduled for launch on board a Falcon 9 rocket in the first half of 2016. UAE engineering students based in a ground station at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) will be in charge of managing the satellite operation after its launch.

Nayif-1 is the first UAE nano-satellite to be developed by seven Emirati students from AUS under the leadership and supervision of MBRSC. The Nayif-1 project is designed to train students on space systems and technology, by encouraging and developing their skills in space system design, integration, testing and operation.