WATCH: UAE’s MBZ-SAT satellite set for historic launch

The UAE is set to make another giant leap in space technology tonight as MBZ-SAT, the region’s most advanced commercial satellite, launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

The launch is scheduled for 10:49 PM UAE time aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.

You can watch the launch on the live stream below:

What is MBZ-SAT?

Developed entirely by Emirati engineers at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), MBZ-SAT is a 750kg Earth observation satellite designed to deliver high-resolution images with unprecedented accuracy. The satellite will provide real-time data for environmental monitoring, infrastructure planning, and disaster response with a 24/7 automated imaging system.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced MBZ-SAT in 2020, naming it after President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in recognition of his contributions to the UAE’s space sector.

Why is MBZ-SAT a Game-Changer?

• 2x Image Capture Accuracy – Enhanced detail for global users
• 4x Faster Data Transfer – Quicker access to critical information
• 10x More Image Production – Greater coverage and insights
• Real-Time Delivery – Images processed in under two hours

What Happens After Launch?

• First Signal: Expected 1 hour 22 minutes post-launch as MBZ-SAT passes over Norway
• Orbit: 500-550km above Earth in Low Earth Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO)
• Mission Control: Operated from MBRSC in Dubai

A Major Milestone for the UAE’s Space Industry

MBZ-SAT is a major step forward in the UAE’s goal to build a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation and technology.

Around 90 per cent of its mechanical structures and electronic modules were developed in partnership with UAE-based companies, strengthening the country’s aerospace sector.