UAE’s New Arab Satellite 813: A Step Forward in Space Science
The National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) at UAE University recently reviewed the final design of the Arab Satellite 813. This advanced earth observation satellite is designed to monitor the environment and climate, providing hyperspectral observations in the Visible/Near Infrared (VNIR) and Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Funded by the UAE Space Agency (UAESA) and executed by UAEU, the Arab Satellite 813 aims to strengthen cooperation among the countries of the Arab Space Cooperation Group (ASCG) in space science and technology. The sessions included a comprehensive evaluation of the satellite’s design, its payload of various sensors, and the ground support systems.
Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, stated that the engineering teams are preparing to move to the next stage of Assembly Integration and Test (AI&T) at the NSSTC following the successful design stage. The program will develop a spacecraft to host a hyperspectral optical instrument and serve as a platform for collaboration among ASCG member countries.
The satellite, named 813, commemorates the beginning of the House of Wisdom’s prosperity in Baghdad under Al-Ma’mun’s reign. The House of Wisdom was a center for scientific advancement, translating notable texts and producing scientific capabilities. The Arab Satellite 813 is unique in terms of weight, size, and efficiency among hyperspectral satellites.
The project focuses on manufacturing the satellite within the country through scientific centers and laboratories to build and develop local and Arab capacity in satellite design, manufacturing, assembly, testing, ground operations, and data analysis.
Doubts Revealed
UAE -: UAE stands for the United Arab Emirates, a country in the Middle East.
Arab Satellite 813 -: Arab Satellite 813 is a new satellite made by the UAE to observe the Earth and its environment.
NSSTC -: NSSTC stands for National Space Science and Technology Center, a place in the UAE where they study space and make satellites.
UAE University -: UAE University is a big school in the UAE where people go to learn and do research.
UAE Space Agency -: The UAE Space Agency is a group in the UAE that works on space projects and missions.
hyperspectral observations -: Hyperspectral observations are special pictures taken from space that show more details about the Earth’s surface and environment.
Arab Space Cooperation Group -: The Arab Space Cooperation Group is a team of countries from the Arab world working together on space projects.
