The satellite will help in managing natural disasters to enhancing maritime navigation, supporting smart agriculture, and conducting environmental monitoring.
DUBAI: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has unveiled details of its first-ever Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, Etihad-SAT, scheduled for launch in March 2025 aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base, USA.
Developed in collaboration with South Korea’s Satrec Initiative, Etihad-SAT marks a major milestone in the UAE’s space sector, bringing all-weather, high-resolution imaging capabilities to the country’s growing satellite fleet.
A leap in Earth observation
SAR technology allows continuous Earth monitoring, penetrating clouds, darkness, and even extreme weather. The satellite will serve multiple sectors, including disaster management, oil spill detection, maritime navigation, and smart agriculture.
H.E. Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, highlighted the UAE’s dedication to advancing space technology, stating: “The launch of Etihad-SAT strengthens our space sector and enhances our role in tackling global challenges through innovative solutions.”
H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, emphasised its strategic impact: “This mission supports sustainable development, boosts the national economy, and elevates the UAE’s global standing in the space industry.”
Cutting-edge SAR technology
Equipped with three imaging modes—spot (high-resolution), scan (wide-area coverage), and strip (extended observation)—Etihad-SAT will deliver uninterrupted data collection, regardless of environmental conditions.
The project, initiated two years ago, involved UAE engineers collaborating with Satrec Initiative to design, test, and manufacture the satellite, reinforcing MBRSC’s expertise in SAR satellite technology.
Once operational, Etihad-SAT will integrate with MBRSC’s existing fleet, revolutionising remote sensing and data processing using artificial intelligence.
