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KhalifaSat, set to be launched on 29th October from the Tanegashima Space Centre in Japan, will catapult the Arab region into a new era of space industry outlining the outstanding capabilities UAE youth have acquired in space technologies, an editorial in a local English language daily has said.
As pointed out by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, the launch of KhalifaSat is an important step towards achieving the UAE’s space strategy.
The editorial, in today's edition of The Gulf Today, went on to say, "What makes the KhalifaSat project special is that a team made up entirely of young Emirati engineers has developed the first Emirati satellite.
"Space technologies are important to the security and economy of nations. The sector has become integral to many aspects of life from telecommunications and navigation to broadcasting and monitoring of weather and natural disasters.
"The global space industry growth rate is expected to reach 8 percent per annum. The UAE has a pioneering experience in the space field as they launched four Emirati satellites that are currently orbiting around the Earth.
"Experts agree that investment in space technology and industry will have a positive impact on the national economy and help the country build a base of highly educated, qualified and trained professionals including astronauts, space specialists, experts, planners and engineers.
"When placed into a Low Earth Orbit of approximately 613km, the satellite will proceed to capture detailed imagery. The images beamed back to earth by KhalifaSat will be among the most detailed commercially available, with a GSD of 0.7m Panchromatic, and 2.98m GSD in four multispectral bands.
"It will become one of the most advanced satellites internationally, thanks to a number of sophisticated techniques and innovations that provide high quality image services to customers across the world.
"The team has developed techniques that enable faster download and communication speeds with the satellite from its position anywhere over the world.
"What is distinctly evident is the commitment of the nation’s leadership to promote scientific talent. No stone is left unturned when it comes to helping the scientific community pursue dreams and reach for the stars. Future generations can reap the rewards of such investment in science and knowledge.
"The KhalifaSat project is sure to serve as an outstanding model to encourage innovation, fuel technological progress and create a generation of Emirati scientists and engineers who will contribute to a scientific renaissance and lead ambitious space projects," concluded the Sharjah-based daily.
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