Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, along with the Ruler of Dubai, examined the recent progress on the MBZ-SAT, the most sophisticated satellite in the region, named in honor of the UAE President. The MBZ-SAT, the second satellite entirely developed by an Emirati team, is slated for launch, which is expected to occur no sooner than October 2024 via a SpaceX rocket. During his interaction with the team from the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), it was affirmed that following the successful completion of environmental testing, the final launch preparations will begin.
"The UAE has solidified its position as a significant global player in the realm of space science and technology. This accomplishment has been fueled by a visionary goal to enhance the UAE's status among the foremost nations in space exploration and the burgeoning skills of Emirati talent," the Ruler stated. During his session with the MBRSC team, Sheikh Mohammed also scrutinized the advancements in the UAE Astronaut Programme.
"These developments are vital for creating solutions that enhance the quality of human life and aid in overcoming various challenges," Sheikh Mohammed added. Emirati astronauts Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammad Al Mulla, who finished a two-year training program at NASA, updated Sheikh Mohammed on the latest developments in the UAE Astronaut Programme.
"We are honored to be working on the most advanced satellite in the Arab world, named after the President of the UAE. We harbor great aspirations for our nation in the future of space exploration, and we commit to achieving milestones that bolster its global leadership in this sector," remarked Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Board of Directors of MBRSC, and Amer Al Sayegh Al Ghaferi, Assistant Director General of the Aerospace Engineering Sector at MBRSC. Sheikh Mohammed was joined on the visit by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai, and other senior officials were also in attendance at the meeting.
