UAE's MBZ-SAT sends first signal from orbit

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has announced receiving the first signal from the MBZ-SAT satellite and confirmed that all systems are operating efficiently after its launch into orbit.

The Earth observation satellite was launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket on Tuesday at 11:09 PM (UAE time).

MBZ-SAT marks a significant milestone in the UAE's satellite development journey, having been fully developed by Emirati engineers at MBRSC.

The satellite is named in honour of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

MBRSC has announced receiving the first signal from MBZ-SAT and confirmed all systems are operating efficiently after its launch into orbit. The region's most advanced satellite has commenced its mission to deliver data supporting global development. @MBRSpaceCentre pic.twitter.com/hLDJibvetm

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 15, 2025

The satellite will be operated and managed by the Mission Control Centre at MBRSC, with specialised teams handling operations and analysing the data transmitted to Earth.

MBZ-SAT will be able to capture images with double the precision of previous models while increasing image generation capacity tenfold.

This improvement comes from its integrated scheduling and processing system, which can deliver processed images within two hours of capture.

The satellite will serve multiple functions, including supporting environmental monitoring, infrastructure management, and disaster relief.