Dubai’s EIAST says KhalifaSat design is completed

EIAST’s engineers presented their designs on the different modules and sub-systems of KhalifaSat and discussed the different aspects of the satellite’s design at a meeting of the company’s internal review board, to conclude the first phase of the project.

EIAST said in a statement that the full engineering model of the satellite and a mock-up mechanical model are expected to be manufactured in the next phase.

The manufacturing of the actual flight model of the satellite will follow, which is expected to be launched into space in 2017, the statement said.

Yousuf Al Shaibani, director general, EIAST, said: “KhalifaSat is a milestone for EIAST as well as the UAE. It will be an assessment of our capabilities in satellite manufacturing helping us position ourselves as leaders in satellite development and technology regionally and internationally.

“The detailed design review meeting was an occasion to evaluate the progress made so far in the projects related to the Emirati-designed and built satellite. We are delighted that this progress is as per our timeline and results have exceeded expectations.”

Amer Al Sayegh, director of the Space Systems Development Department at EIAST and KhalifaSat project manager, added: “We are in the process of finalising the mock-up model of KhalifaSat,” adding that technologies for KhalifaSat have been enhanced by 30 percent compared to DubaiSat-2, its last satellite.

He said it will include a highly sophisticated camera system, more storage capacity, faster download speed, and better computing capabilities.

EIAST was established by the Dubai Government in 2006 to encourage scientific innovation and technological progress in Dubai and in the UAE.

It also aims to develop the scientific skills and knowledge of Emiratis. It is mainly involved in outer space research and development; satellite manufacturing and systems development; space imaging; and ground station services and support for other satellites.