EIAST UAE engineers prepare for shipping DubaiSat-1 to launch base in Kazakhstan
The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science & Technology (EIAST) announced that the UAE engineers and scientists have completed the final preparations on DubaiSat-1, which is due to be launched on board a Russian Dnepr rocket on July 25, 2009. Final tests and equipment safety preparations have been completed successfully and the UAE team are currently preparing to ship DubaiSat-1 from the factory in Korea to its launch base in Kazakhstan.
DubaiSat-1, which is a stepping stone in the UAE’s attempt to create a sound infrastructure that enables the collection of space and earth observation data for the comprehensive development of the nation, highlights the commitment of EIAST to create a knowledge based economy.
His Excellency Mr Ahmed Al Mansoori, Director General and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, EIAST, said: “The successful completion of the final stages of DubaiSat-1 by the team of UAE national experts including engineers and specialists working on the project, have underscored the reputation of the UAE as a key player in space research. We are glad that our youth is part of space technology research, a testament to the tremendous talent amongst UAE youngsters.â€
“The development of a satellite is a very complicated process and what we have achieved so far can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of our engineers and scientists. DubaiSat-1 will undoubtedly be a sterling addition to the UAE’s strategic accomplishments,†Al Mansoori added.
The launch of DubaiSat-1 consists of three segments; space, ground and actual launch. The ground segment comprises mission control station, image receiving and processing station, and antenna and RF subsystem. Images from DubaiSat-1 can be used for many applications such as urban development, scientific research, telecommunications, transportation, civil engineering & constructions, mapping and GIS.
EIAST is currently focused on research in four areas: observation and fog forecast;Â use of satellite pictures in predicting sand storms; quality of water in the Gulf region – especially the effect of waste distillation in environment and marine life surrounding the oceans existing in the UAE; and ways to improve the clarity of satellite pictures.
About The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science & Technology:
Established by a Dubai Government decree in 2006, the Emirates Institute for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) is a strategic initiative launched to promote scientific innovation and advanced technology in the UAE and the region.
EIAST’s primary roles are to promote the culture of advanced scientific research and technology innovation in Dubai and the UAE, create an internationally competitive base for human skills development, position Dubai and the UAE as a science and technology development hub among advanced nations, and establish international collaborative links and joint projects with industry and research organizations.
EIAST introduces three programs; the space, energy and astronomy programs. The space program includes three main themes: earth observation, satellite navigation and satellite communications, and the energy program aims to develop renewable and sustainable energy and water sources for Dubai. The astronomy program includes “Emirates Telescope†project, which is aimed at improving science and astronomical infrastructure, scientific knowledge transfer to UAE nationals, and raises public awareness and enthusiasm for astronomy.
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