EIAST celebrates one-year anniversary of the launch of DubaiSat-2

The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) celebrates tomorrow, Friday November 21st 2014, the one year anniversary of the launch of DubaiSat- 2 into outer space from the Yasny Launch Base in Russia, using the Russian Dnepr rocket launcher in cooperation with the Russian International Space Company (Kozmotras).
Time Aerospace thumbnail

In celebration. On this occasion, EIAST released a mosaic image of the entire Emirate of Dubai at a resolution of one meter. 

The mosaic image is comprised of 10 satellite photos taken by DubaiSat-2 as it passed over Dubai when conditions were optimal and under different circumstances. The image will be updated every six months to track the development of environmental projects, urban planning, infrastructure and other projects. 

“EIAST was able to reach a new level of achievements by launching notable projects in the satellite and outer space industry making the UAE a pioneer in the field, regionally and internationally, in tandem with the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai,” said Yousuf Al Shaibani, director general, Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology. “This achievement reflects the positive results of the stimulating environment at EIAST and the technological progress. Moreover, it highlights the importance of relying on Emirati talents capable of achieving further developments in space technology within the country, which is crucial in building a knowledge-based economy and enhancing the UAE’s competitiveness, globally.” 

He added: “Since its launch, DubaiSat- 2 has been working at full capacity, all systems and devices operate with great precision. The satellite managed to take pictures of various countries around the world and contributed in providing satellite images to various governmental and local authorities. Numerous agreements were concluded locally and internationally to make use of the images which is a testament to EIAST’s staff success in operating DubaiSat-2 with utmost efficiency and professionalism.” 

DubaiSat-2 consists of two main segments, the DubaiSat-2 Space Segment, which comprises of a spacecraft bus and an electro-optical payload that contains a push-broom camera with TDI sensors to provide space images, while the DubaiSat-2 Ground Segment includes the Main Mission Control Station (MCS), Subsidiary MCS, Main Image Receiving and Processing Station (IRPS), and Antenna system. 

Dubai Sat-2 weighs 300 kg and is 2 meters high and 1.5 meters wide. It is equipped to provide space imagery of the entire world throughout its lifetime and can take multiple images of the same area in one day, as well as receive and process these images from anywhere in the world within one day.

The satellite is equipped with innovative technology to enhance the manoeuvring capability and increase its agility by 300 per cent, as compared to Dubai Sat-1. It is equipped with a propulsion system that allows the control of its altitude above ground level and modifies it automatically in the event of any deviation from the orbit through a set of predetermined and saved commands sent from the control station. The satellite makes one full orbit around the earth in 96 minutes with 60 percent of its time facing the sun light. 

The satellite aims to provide electro-optical images at a resolution reaching one meter to be used in several civilian applications, such as providing 3D images, update project development in various fields including urban planning and urban development, scientific research, civil engineering and environmental projects, construction and geological mapping and research, in addition to providing specialised reports.