Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre Prepares to Launch First Radar Satellite

Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre Announces the Launch of “UnionSat”, the First Emirati Radar Satellite

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre has announced the launch of the first Emirati radar satellite, “UnionSat,” in the first week of March 2025. The satellite will be launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, in collaboration with the South Korean partner, “Satrec Initiative.”

A Leap Forward in Emirati Space Technology

“UnionSat” is more than just another satellite; it represents an advanced step in the UAE’s satellite program. The satellite features cutting-edge radar imaging technology that provides high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface in all weather conditions, day or night. This will enhance the UAE’s strategic capabilities in various fields, including environmental monitoring, disaster management, smart agriculture, and maritime navigation tracking.

UAE’s Commitment to Technology and Innovation

In a statement, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, said that the launch of “UnionSat” reflects the UAE’s ongoing commitment to boosting the knowledge economy through the adoption of advanced technologies. Al Mansoori added that the satellite will open new horizons for sustainable development and support vital sectors in the UAE.

A Platform to Support Key Sectors

“UnionSat” will not only be a tool for scientific research but also a key platform supporting several vital sectors in the UAE, including natural resource management and strengthening environmental security. This approach demonstrates the UAE’s ability to turn technological progress into a tool for improving the quality of life and promoting sustainable development.

Enhancing Local Capabilities and Advancing the Space Sector

The development of “UnionSat” took two years, with engineers from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre leading the design and manufacturing process in collaboration with Korean experts. This partnership has strengthened local capabilities and positioned the UAE as a hub for knowledge transfer and technological development in the space sector.

UAE’s Space Ambitions as Part of a Comprehensive Economic Vision

With the addition of “UnionSat” to the UAE’s satellite constellation, the country proves that its space ambitions are not merely symbolic but are an integral part of a comprehensive economic vision aimed at strengthening its position as a global innovation hub. This journey into space is, at its core, a journey toward the future, where knowledge and technology form the foundation of sustainability and growth.

Sources:

• Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre
• Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori’s Statements
• Press reports on the launch of UAE satellites