All about the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre
Founded in 2006, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has enabled the UAE to make significant strides in space exploration. MBRSC was developed according to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. His idea was to build a knowledge-based economy and reach sustainable development goals to combat climate change. The establishment of MBRSC was part of his grand vision to spearhead the UAE space programme.
In this blog, we explore the efforts of the hardworking and dedicated staff members of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, who have put the UAE on the list of countries with an amazingly successful space program.
All about the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre Dubai
Outlined objectives
The comprehensive list of aims and objectives outlined during the launch of MBRSC included the following:
- Work on the development of the UAE’s space science sector.
- Encourage and prepare the younger Emirati generation to take up space engineering and research.
- Work with qualified staff to implement sustainable training programs and curate an environment which fosters creativity and innovation.
- Increase awareness about scientific exploration and innovation in the country.
- Upgrade the existing scientific infrastructure in the country.
- Start major scientific missions and accomplish them within the given time frame.
Achievements of Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre
Since its launch, MBRSC has built and operated several earth observation satellites, offering images and data analysis to a global clientele. The highly qualified team of Emirati engineers launched the KhalifaSat in 2018 from Tanegashima Space Center based in Japan. Before KhalifaSat, Nayif-1, DubaiSat-1, and DubaiSat-2 were launched by Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre staff members in collaboration with different institutes.
Moreover, MBRSC’s input has been pivotal in UAE’s space exploration missions.
KhalifaSat
KhalifaSat, one of the world’s most technologically advanced remote-sensing observation satellites, was designed and manufactured in the UAE. Currently, part of a five-year mission, this satellite will capture and transmit high-quality, detailed images of the Earth to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre.
This data will be critical for many governments and companies to study environmental changes and deal with urban management problems more effectively. Moreover, the data can help manage disaster relief programs efficiently. With KhalifaSat, the UAE became part of the countries leading humanity towards a future in space.
DubaiSat-2
Launched in 2013, DubaiSat-2 was a collaborative project between the Emirati team and South Korean associates at MBRSC’s Korean satellite manufacturing partner, Satrec Initiative. The creation of DubaiSat-2 helped MBRSC’s knowledge development journey. The storage of 17,000 km2 of image data was one of the major features of DubaiSat-2. Its speed capabilities and enhanced manoeuvring were key upgrades. Moreover, the propulsion systems enabled controls on its altitude and allowed automatic orbit correction if any deviation was caused in space.
DubaiSat-1
UAE’s first Earth observation satellite, DubaiSat-1, was an important milestone in the knowledge and skill development of Emirati space engineers in South Korea. From 2009 to 2015, DubaiSat-1 transmitted images to the ground station at MBRSC and contributed to urban planning. We can thank the workers of this satellite for their role in the development of Palm Jumeirah and Al Maktoum Airport. Moreover, images from the satellite helped the Japanese government deal with the damage caused by a catastrophic tsunami in 2011.
Nayif-1
The nanosatellite, Nayif-1 represents UAE’s first foray into space. It was developed at MBRSC in collaboration with educational institutes such as the American University of Sharjah taking the lead. The project was an essential building block for the future as it helped Emirati engineering students learn about small satellites’ design, integration, installation, operation and manufacturing processes.
Similarly, there are other satellites that the MBRSC has operated.
Astronaut Program
The most prominent and remarkable achievement of MBRSC was sending Hazza Al Mansouri into space under the UAE Astronaut Program. The first Emirati and Arab to go to space, Hazza Al Mansouri became the face of the UAE space program across the world.
On October 3rd 2019, Al Mansouri returned from his eight-day mission from the International Space Station (ISS) after completing extensive research. Along with his fellow team members, Hazza completed 128 orbits around the Earth, covering a distance of 4.9 million kilometres. Mohammed Al Mulla and the country’s first women astronaut Nora Almatrooshi were in the second batch of astronauts.
All this became possible thanks to the program initiated by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Dr Sultan Al Neyadi is aboard the International Space Station as part of a six-month mission, also known as ‘The Longest Arab Space Mission.’ He is the first Arab to complete a spacewalk and many other scientific experiments. He’s due to return to Earth in August 2023.
3 months have passed since the start of the longest Arab space mission in history, carried out by astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi. 3 months left in this historic mission and the ambition grows every day.#TheLongestArabSpaceMission pic.twitter.com/zUYLRHETsL
— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) June 3, 2023
Mission Mars
The work on this project started in 2014 and in February 2021, Hope Probe entered the orbit of Mars in its first attempt. It has gathered scientific data about its atmosphere and is helping us understand the weather and dynamic atmosphere on the Red Planet. The Emirates Mars Mission is another success story of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre team.
The EMM Hope Probe is the foundation of a much larger human settlement project on Mars by 2117. This project is running in collaboration with other international space institutions.
UAE’S LUNAR MISSION
After years of investment and rigorous work, the UAE become the first Arab country to launch a lunar rover. Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre also played a pivotal role in the Emirates Lunar Mission. While the Rover mission could not achieve all its objectives, it was a significant step forward. Moreover, Rashid Rover II has also been announced to continue the march towards discovery.
FAQS
Where can I read about Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre’s Asteroid Mission?
Read our guide on UAE’s Asteroid Mission to learn about this challenging and pathbreaking mission.
Are school visits allowed at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre Dubai?
Many schools across the UAE organise group tours to give their students a firsthand experience and inspire them to dream big. To plan a tour of MBRSC, you can call +971-4-607-1277 or email to visit@Mbrsc.Ae.
UAE school students had a great experience today communicating with astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi in a ham radio session alongside a tour of MBRSC. What were their impressions? pic.twitter.com/WL2IqOcR7q
— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) May 31, 2023
What is the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre location?
Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre location is Al Khawaneej Street, Al Khawaneej, Dubai.
Back in 2006, the goal of sending an Emirati man to space was also a distant dream. Hazza Al Mansouri’s successful mission has ensured that millions are more aware of the program, and Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre’s work has been highlighted.
With an inspirational figure at the forefront, government support and clearly outlined goals, the next generation can achieve miraculous things and take the UAE space program to a new level.
For more Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre information, you can contact the facility directly via the given phone number or email.
