UAE's KhalifaSat satellite passes key test ahead of launch

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has announced that the first locally-built satellite by Emirati engineers, KhalifaSat, has passed its solar panel deployment test.

KhalifaSat’s success in the test confirms the satellite's capability of working after its launch into space in 2018, and reaching its orbit after separation from the rocket.

The test also proves that KhalifaSat’s solar panels will not open during the launch phase inside the rocket, a statement said.

KhalifaSat is the third satellite to be launched by MBRSC and the first satellite developed in the UAE by a team of Emirati engineers.

When placed into a low earth orbit of approximately 613km, the satellite will proceed to capture detailed imagery capable of competing with the highest industry standards.

Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, director general of MBRSC, said: "Achieving this important step in manufacturing KhalifaSat reflects the success of our strategy in localising satellites manufacturing industry. The country has established world-class infrastructure, which enabled us to manufacture and carry out the necessary tests to the satellite at the Space Technologies Laboratories at the Centre."

Al Shaibani added: "The capabilities and expertise of KhalifaSat team of Emarati engineers, raises our pride and confidence in their success in this mission, especially that the satellite has specifications and technologies, which make it one of the preeminent satellites of its category in the world.

"We assertively look forward to successfully accomplish the coming phases, until the satellite is ready to be launched into outer space next year."

Once the manufacture and testing phases have been completed, the satellite will be transported to Japan for launch aboard the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries rocket – H-IIA.