The UAE is getting ready to launch its most advanced Earth observation satellite called MBZ-SAT it was built completely by Emirati engineers at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre. The launch is happening from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It’s planned for Tuesday January 14th at 10:49 pm UAE time. The satellite which weighs 750 kilograms is named after President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
MBZ-SAT is a big step for the UAE’s space program. The satellite can take really detailed pictures of Earth which will be useful for lots of things. Having Emirati engineers build it shows the country is getting better at space tech and growing its local talent. This mission proves the UAE is really investing in space exploration and has big goals.
Launching from Vandenberg Air Force Base is an important part of this mission. Using a SpaceX rocket shows how countries work together in space. After the launch MBZ-SAT will start collecting data. This whole project shows the UAE is serious about improving its satellite technology and observing Earth this also fits into the country’s larger tech development plans.