UAE’s Etihad-SAT Satellite Sends First Signal to Earth, Marking Major Milestone in Space Technology

Sajid Raza March 16, 2025

0 2 minutes read

Officials at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) receiving the first signal from Etihad-SAT, its first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite.

Satellite’s SAR Imaging Technology Enables High-Precision Earth Observation

Dubai: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has successfully received the first signal from Etihad-SAT, the UAE’s first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite. This achievement marks a significant advancement in the nation’s space capabilities, integrating cutting-edge radar imaging technology with the existing optical satellite systems.

Unlike traditional optical imaging, which can be limited by weather conditions like clouds and rain, radar imaging uses radio waves that can penetrate through such barriers, making it an invaluable tool for continuous and reliable Earth observation.

A Technological Leap for the UAE
The introduction of Etihad-SAT signifies a major leap forward in MBRSC’s satellite fleet, enhancing the UAE’s ability to monitor and study Earth’s surface with unprecedented precision. Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of MBRSC, emphasized that this milestone underscores the UAE’s growing role as a leader in space science and technology. He added, “This achievement propels us closer to realizing the UAE’s vision to utilize space technologies for the benefit of the nation in various sectors.”

Strategic Partnerships Driving Innovation
Etihad-SAT was developed in collaboration with Satrec Initiative, a South Korean satellite company, marking a successful international partnership. The project began with MBRSC leading the technical specifications and moved into the design and validation phases. In later stages, MBRSC engineers worked closely with Satrec Initiative to finalize the satellite’s design and manufacturing.

Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, celebrated the successful launch, noting, “This milestone reflects our dedication to pushing the UAE National Space Programme forward and highlights our strategy to foster innovation and develop advanced space technologies.”

Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, highlighted the role of strategic partnerships in the success of Etihad-SAT, saying, “Collaborations like these are essential for knowledge exchange, helping us make significant strides in space science and technology.”

AI-Powered Data Processing for Enhanced Earth Observation
The data collected by Etihad-SAT will be processed using artificial intelligence (AI) to produce high-resolution imagery. According to Asmaa AlJanaahi, an image processing specialist at MBRSC, the satellite’s radar transmits electromagnetic waves that strike various surfaces on Earth. These waves then reflect back to the satellite, and the difference in reflectance depending on the physical properties of the surface allows for detailed data collection. “This process works effectively even in challenging weather conditions and during the night,” Asmaa said.

The radar’s ability to capture imagery in different weather conditions and during the night makes Etihad-SAT a versatile and powerful tool for industries ranging from disaster management and oil spill detection to maritime navigation, smart agriculture, and environmental monitoring.

Three Imaging Modes for Diverse Applications
Abdullah Harmoul, Project Manager of Etihad-SAT, elaborated on the satellite’s imaging capabilities. “Etihad-SAT operates in three primary modes: spot mode, scan mode, and strip mode,” Harmoul explained. “Spot mode offers high-resolution imaging of smaller areas, scan mode provides broader area coverage, and strip mode offers extensive, continuous coverage.” These versatile modes enable Etihad-SAT to serve a wide range of industries and applications, making it a key player in global Earth observation efforts.

A Bright Future for UAE Space Exploration
The Mission Control Centre at MBRSC will oversee the operations of Etihad-SAT, with dedicated teams monitoring the satellite and analyzing the data it transmits back to Earth. The successful signal reception and its capabilities reinforce the UAE’s commitment to advancing its space exploration efforts and positioning itself at the forefront of space technology development.

This achievement is just one of many steps the UAE is taking towards becoming a leading force in space science and technology, with future plans to enhance its satellite fleet and expand its influence on the global space stage.