The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has released the first set of images captured by MBZ-SAT and Etihad-SAT, coinciding with World Space Week 2025, marking a major milestone in UAE satellite imaging and Earth observation capabilities.
The release underscores the UAE’s growing strength in space technology and its capacity to deliver high-quality imaging data for civil, environmental, maritime and infrastructure applications.
World Space Week, declared by the United Nations General Assembly, celebrates the contribution of space science and technology to human progress.
UAE seen from space
MBZ-SAT and Etihad-SAT represent two distinct but complementary technologies that together provide a comprehensive view of Earth.
- Named in honour of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, MBZ-SAT — launched in January 2025 — is the region’s most advanced optical imaging satellite
- Etihad-SAT, launched in March 2025, is the Centre’s first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite capable of capturing data in all weather and lighting conditions
Together, the satellites provide consistent, high-resolution data supporting key sectors such as disaster management, smart agriculture and infrastructure development.
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, said the release of the images “reflects the strategic vision of the leadership and the dedication of Emirati engineers,” adding that combining optical and radar technologies allows the UAE to “contribute innovative solutions to global challenges” and reinforces its position as a pioneer in space technology.
Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director-General of MBRSC, said the two satellites form part of “a unified national capability in satellite development and Earth observation,” adding that the release “demonstrates the Centre’s ability to deliver reliable data supporting multiple domains” and its commitment to “building a new generation of satellites serving the UAE and the wider world.”
Weighing 750kg and measuring 3m x 5m, MBZ-SAT was developed by Emirati engineers, with 90 per cent of its mechanical structures manufactured locally.
It carries one of the region’s highest-resolution cameras, capable of capturing images with double the precision of previous models.
The satellite features an electric propulsion unit, star-tracking navigation system with metre-level accuracy, and data transmission rates four times faster than earlier generations.
It can deliver images within two hours of capture — a tenfold improvement in efficiency.
The project also involved partnerships with several UAE-based companies, including Strata, EPI, Rockford Xellerix, Halcon, Falcon, and EGA, further strengthening the country’s industrial and engineering capabilities.
UAE satellites
Etihad-SAT, developed with support from the Republic of Korea’s Satrec Initiative, uses radar imaging to capture high-resolution data regardless of atmospheric conditions or time of day.
It operates in three imaging modes — spot, scan and strip — enabling detailed, wide-area and regional monitoring for uses such as maritime navigation, oil spill detection, disaster response, and precision farming.
The data collected by Etihad-SAT is processed using artificial intelligence to enhance accuracy and speed, benefiting government agencies, researchers, and private sector users.
The collaboration with Satrec Initiative also facilitated knowledge transfer to Emirati teams, strengthening local expertise in radar technology.
With the release of these first images, MBRSC has reinforced its mission to build a diversified satellite fleet offering complementary optical and radar capabilities.
The combined operation of MBZ-SAT and Etihad-SAT demonstrates the UAE’s growing role as a global leader in space technology, providing advanced satellite imagery that supports local and international initiatives addressing climate change, food security, and sustainable urban development.
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