The UAE's MBZ-SAT satellite, developed by Emirati engineers at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), has lifted off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
The launch marks another milestone in the UAE’s ambitious space programme.
Liftoff! The Falcon 9 rocket, carrying MBZ-SAT, has launched.#MBZSAT pic.twitter.com/KzN8pUXMts
— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) January 14, 2025
The Earth observation satellite MBZ-SAT, named in honour of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was launched along with two CubeSats developed by universities in the UAE.
These include HCT-SAT 1, designed by students of the Higher Colleges of Technology under the supervision of experts at MBRSC, and Al Ain Sat-1 developed by the UAE University's National Space Science and Technology Centre.

UAE relief mission departs for flood-hit Nepal
Traffic upgrades at Dubai’s Al Qiyadah Intersection to cut peak-hour delays
KHDA reminds Dubai private schools to follow unified academic calendar
More than 13,000 e-scooters seized in Dubai traffic crackdown
UAE, US Presidents review regional developments
UAE thwarts cyberattacks from Iran amid regional disruptions
Sharjah ruler approves AED 20,000 living allowance for government staff
Sharjah Police arrests man accused of murdering sisters
