Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre announces successful launch of MBZSAT
Another giant leap for the UAE…
On January 14, 2025, the UAE embarked on another mission to space with the launch of the satellite project, called MBZSAT.
MBZSAT was onboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, which successfully shot off to space on January 14, 2025, from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 11.09pm (UAE time). The launch was witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the Mission Control Centre at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).
The satellite project was initially announced in 2020 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It was named in honour of the UAE’s President, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
What exactly is MBZSAT?
MBZSAT is a satellite project announced in 2020 by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
It was fully developed by Emirati engineers at MBRSC further showcasing the major leap in the UAE’s space ventures. It is said to be one of the most advanced satellites in the region.
According to the MBRSC, MBZSAT will be equipped with a high-tech ‘automated system for arranging images round-the-clock, ensuring that it provides the highest quality standards of satellite images intended for commercial use globally.’
‘It will contribute to meeting the growing commercial demand for high-resolution satellite images that will show details within an area of less than one square meter, which will be one of the most advanced features ever,’ the mission statement on the official website stated. It added that the imagery will ‘support a wide variety of uses within mapping and analysis, environmental monitoring, navigation, infrastructure management, and disaster relief efforts, to name a few. The utility of satellite imagery in aiding and tackling natural disasters is, in particular, very important, as they can help gauge the severity of the calamity, help plan relief efforts and aid in rebuilding efforts.’
The satellite will be operated and managed by the Mission Control Centre at MBRSC. A specialised team will handle the operations and analyse the data transmitted to Earth.
On the sucessful launch, Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman, MBRSC, said, “Under the guidance of our leadership, we have succeeded in launching MBZ-SAT. This historic accomplishment demonstrates the UAE’s advancement in space technology and reinforces our position as a global leader in the sector. The achievement also underscores our commitment to elevating the nation’s standing in the international space arena, while showcasing the collective expertise of Emiratis who are dedicated to realising our leadership’s ambitious vision. We will continue working on missions to enhance our space capabilities, advancing the leadership’s strategic objective of establishing the UAE as a pioneering force in space exploration and technological innovation.”
Missed it live? You can still watch the launch here: live.mbrsc.ae
Images: Dubai Media Office
