MBRSC Unveils First MBZ-SAT & Etihad-SAT Images, Marks New Era

Dubai: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has unveiled the first set of high-resolution Earth images captured by its two latest satellites—MBZ-SAT and Etihad-SAT—signalling a new era in the UAE’s rapidly advancing satellite technology. The release coincided with World Space Week 2025, underlining the nation’s growing contribution to global space innovation.

The moment was described by the Centre as a “major milestone” in building the UAE’s self-reliant satellite ecosystem. The images not only highlight the technical leap achieved by Emirati engineers but also reinforce the country’s role as a reliable provider of satellite data for applications ranging from disaster response and climate monitoring to infrastructure development and maritime safety.

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A Historic Milestone for UAE’s Satellite Ambitions

The two satellites—launched earlier this year—represent a dual approach to capturing Earth’s changing landscapes.

• MBZ-SAT, named after UAE President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was launched in January 2025. It is the most advanced optical imaging satellite in the region.

• Etihad-SAT, deployed in March 2025, is the country’s first-ever Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, capable of providing detailed imagery day or night, in all weather conditions.

By combining the precision of optical imaging with the consistency of radar data, the UAE now has one of the most versatile Earth-observation platforms in the Middle East.

MBZ-SAT: A Leap in Optical Imaging

Weighing around 750 kg and measuring 3 m by 5 m, MBZ-SAT was largely built by Emirati engineers with 90% of its mechanical components manufactured in the UAE.

It features one of the region’s highest-resolution cameras—delivering images with twice the precision of earlier satellites. Other breakthroughs include:

• Advanced electric propulsion system for efficient orbit control.

• Star-tracking navigation for metre-level accuracy.

• Ultra-fast data transmission, four times faster than previous satellites.

• Onboard processing that enables delivery of images within two hours of capture, a tenfold improvement in turnaround time.

These advancements mean MBZ-SAT can provide near-real-time data to support disaster relief, track environmental changes, and help manage large-scale infrastructure projects.

Etihad-SAT: First SAR Satellite for All-Weather Monitoring

Etihad-SAT adds a completely new dimension to the UAE’s Earth-observation capability. Unlike optical satellites, SAR technology uses radar to generate images unaffected by darkness, cloud cover, or weather conditions.

It is equipped with three imaging modes:

• Spot Mode for close-up, highly detailed views.

• Scan Mode for capturing wide-area landscapes.

• Strip Mode for consistent regional monitoring.

The satellite’s data can be applied to maritime safety, detecting oil spills, monitoring natural disasters, supporting precision agriculture, and even tracking changes in urban infrastructure.

A Nationally Built, Globally Relevant Programme

Both satellites are key to MBRSC’s long-term strategy of developing a diverse, resilient satellite ecosystem. By working with local industries such as Strata, EPI, Halcon, and Falcon, the programme has boosted the UAE’s manufacturing base and fostered valuable knowledge transfer to Emirati talent.

Etihad-SAT’s development also benefited from international collaboration with South Korea’s Satrec Initiative, ensuring a smooth blend of global expertise and local skills.

A New Era for UAE’s Space Capabilities

The unveiling of the first images is more than a technical milestone—it demonstrates the UAE’s intent to play a larger role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, disaster preparedness, and sustainable urban development.

With both MBZ-SAT and Etihad-SAT now operational, the UAE has positioned itself as a trusted provider of high-quality, timely, and reliable Earth-observation data for partners worldwide.

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