Final DubaiSat-2 model passes key tests

Engineers from the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) say that the DubaiSat-2 project has completed a crucial stage in its design phase.
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The DubaiSat-2 qualification model (QM), which is the third and final design, has passed a series of rigorous tests to ensure it can withstand the harsh space environment.

DubaiSat-2, the UAE's second remote sensing satellite, is due to be launched into orbit by the end of 2012.
 
Ahmed Al Mansoori, director general of EIAST, said: "I am delighted that the EIAST engineers have passed this significant milestone, which reflects the dedication, expertise and commitment of our team of highly skilled UAE engineers.
 
“The strive to bring to reality the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE vice president and prime minister and ruler of Dubai, is to propel our youth towards the cutting edge of advanced scientific research and development."
 
The DubaiSat-2 QM was put through a series of tests to ensure the final satellite can withstand launch and its mission in space.
 
Tests included vibration testing, acoustic testing, thermal testing, thermal vacuum testing, a shock test and mass measurement.
 
“These tests are designed to put the satellite through the same or similar conditions that it will face on its journey to space,” said Salem Al Marri, head of projects and space missions at EIAST.
 
“From lift off to separation of the satellite from the launcher takes 15 minutes, but the amount of pressure, shock and vibration is very high and we need to put the model through those same conditions to make sure our satellite will survive.”
 
Al Marri added: “As it orbits the Earth every 90 minutes, it will be in front of the sun for about 60 minutes and behind the Earth for the rest of the time, and will therefore be subjected to huge changes in temperature. This testing phase ensures that the final satellite will cope.”
 
The next step for the satellite's engineers is one last verification of the data from the electronic components before a meeting is held at the end of February to confirm that the project is ready to enter the manufacturing stage.
 
The satellite will orbit 600 km above the earth’s surface, compared with the 690 km orbit of DubaiSat-1. The orbit has also been changed from an ascending obit (South to North) to a descending orbit (North to South), which will allow both satellites to work well in constellation as well as give better coverage of the UAE area.
 
Among other significant improvements, the UAE team, along with their South Korean Partners (Satrec Initiative), have designed the satellite to produce higher quality images at one-meter resolution, which can serve various applications including environmental projects, urban planning, infrastructure, telecommunications and electricity projects.
 
The DubaiSat-2 project is a joint development programme between EIAST and Satrec Initiative of South Korea.
 
Sixteen UAE engineers have been working on the design, development, testing and manufacturing of the satellite. The participation of the UAE engineers, who are currently working in South Korea, has increased by 100 per cent from the DubaiSat-1 project and Ahmed Al Mansoori hopes that this will take EIAST to the next level in satellite development.