UAE’s MBZ-SAT to Launch on January 14 from California, Showcasing Advanced Earth Imaging
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has announced the launch of MBZ-SAT, the UAE’s most advanced Earth-imaging satellite, scheduled for Tuesday, January 14, at 10:49 PM UAE time. The satellite will be launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, USA, via SpaceX’s rideshare program.
MBZ-SAT, weighing 700 kg, marks a milestone as the second satellite fully developed by Emirati engineers. It will launch alongside HCT-SAT 1, a CubeSat developed by UAE students, reflecting the nation’s focus on advancing space exploration and nurturing talent.
Originally set for October 2024, the launch faced delays due to technical issues but is now ready for deployment. The event will be livestreamed at 9:30 PM UAE time via live.mbrsc.ae.
Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director-General of MBRSC, confirmed the readiness of teams in Dubai and the US for the launch. MBZ-SAT is named after UAE President Sheikh Mohamed and features unmatched imaging capabilities, capable of generating 10 times more images than MBRSC’s current output.
The satellite underwent extensive testing in South Korea before being transported to SpaceX for final preparations. MBRSC highlighted the significance of simultaneously launching MBZ-SAT and HCT-SAT 1, showcasing the UAE’s comprehensive approach to space innovation.
Currently, the UAE has 10 operational satellites, with eight more in development, strengthening its growing presence in the global space industry.
