New Arab space collaboration formed, to launch first satellite from the UAE

A new Arab space co-operation group consisting of 11 countries has been created – the first of its kind in the region, it was announced at the World Space Congress in Abu Dhabi.

A charter has been signed to establish the new group, the UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister and Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced on Twitter.

The first project of the group will be a satellite operated by Arab scientists from the UAE, which will seek to tackle climate change.

“This satellite will be called ‘813’, which is the date that the House of Wisdom in Baghdad reached prosperity during the reign of Al-Ma’mun,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.

.@HHShkMohd: This satellite will be called “813”, which is the date that the House of Wisdom in Baghdad reached prosperity during the reign of Al-Ma'mun. The House brought together scientists, translated knowledge and became a place for region to unleash its scientific energy. pic.twitter.com/KCkPA000fZ

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 19, 2019

In October last year, the first satellite made completely by Emirati engineers in the UAE, KhalifaSat, was successfully launched into space from Japan.

KhalifaSat, an earth observation satellite, was designed, tested, built and managed by Emirati engineers at the MBRSC’s Advanced Technology Laboratories, making it the first satellite to be developed in the facility.

It will be used to provide images of earth for practical applications in disaster relief management, urban planning and environmental protection, among other uses.

Watch: Video: UAE’s KhalifaSat successfully launches into space

Last week, the UAE’s cabinet also adopted the country’s National Space Strategy 2030, which includes 79 projects in the field of space science and research, manufacturing, assembly and testing, as well as the commercial space services sector.

#UAE cabinet approves the National Space Strategy 2030, which includes 79 projects in the field of space science and research, manufacturing, assembly and testing, as well as the commercial space services sector. pic.twitter.com/Ro2NJOiwUm

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 11, 2019

“We have a clear vision of where we want to reach in the space sector,” Sheikh Mohammed said at the time.