Al Shaibani: plans aim to make Dubai a regional satellite hub

THE Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) has announced that DubaiSat-2’s in-orbit commissioning is complete and the satellite is now fully operational.

The satellite went through the Launch and Early Operations Phase (LEOP) starting last November 21, 2013.

Yousuf Al Shaibani, director general, Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology, said: “The successful conclusion of the commissioning and in-orbit operation of DubaiSat-2, which is the final phase of the project, has reaffirmed the UAE’s leading position on the regional aerospace map. All efforts undertaken by the EIAST and its engineers are aligned with the visionary plans of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, of making the UAE a satellite design and manufacturing hub for the region.

Salem Al Marri, assistant director general of scientific and technical affairs, EIAST, commented: “The calibration and validation activities were conducted to ensure that the images will be useful to our customers and that they are of the highest quality which is crucial for the success of the mission. DubaiSat-2, now being fully operational, signals the start of our mission to provide useful and timely data to our customers from the government and private sectors, domestically and internationally and to benefit the nation.”

DubaiSat-2 also passed tests conducted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) recently in collaboration with EIAST, on the satellite’s propulsion system, in addition to other examinations ordered to ensure safety and readiness. In addition, EIAST has signed an agreement with the Satrec Initiative for worldwide promotion and distribution of DubaiSat-2’s products and services.

DubaiSat-2 is an electro-optical earth observation satellite launched with the purpose of providing high-resolution images of the world. It is capable of taking multiple images of the same area as well as being adept in receiving and processing them from anywhere in the world within a day.