The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) has announced that DubaiSat-2’s in orbit commissioning is complete and the satellite is now fully operational. The satellite had undergone the Launch and Early Operations Phase (LEOP) starting last 21 November 2013 – that phase requires testing of the satellite to verify and validate the operation of the system and its subsystem-level electronics to make certain they are operating correctly within the harsh space environment.
Once the satellite is in stable operation, the next phase is calibration and validation of the telescope and sensors. These are the final steps before the satellite can be declared fully operational and they are dedicated to ensuring the quality of the data products derived from the satellite are at their highest, in terms of quality and accuracy.
H.E. Yousuf Al Shaibani, director general, Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology, said the successful conclusion of the commissioning and in orbit operation of DubaiSat-2 which is the final phase of the project has reaffirmed the UAE’s leading position on the regional aerospace map. All the efforts undertaken by the EIAST and its engineers are aligned with the visionary plans of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE vice president and prime minister and Ruler of Dubai of making the UAE a satellite design and manufacturing hub for the region.
The calibration and validation activities were conducted to ensure that the images will be useful to their customers and that they are of the highest quality which is crucial for the success of the mission. DubaiSat-2 now being fully operational signals the start of the mission to provide useful and timely data to the EIAST customers from the government and private sectors, domestically and internationally and to benefit the nation, said Salem Al Marri, assistant director general of scientific and technical affairs, EIAST.
DubaiSat-2 has also passed the tests conducted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) recently in collaboration with the EIAST, on the satellite’s Propulsion System, in addition to the other examinations ordered to ensure its safety and readiness. In addition, EIAST has signed an agreement with Satrec Initiative for worldwide promotion and distribution of DubaiSat-2’s products and services to global customers.
Electro-optical
DubaiSat-2 is an electro-optical Earth observation satellite launched with a purpose to provide high-resolution images of the world. DubaiSat-2 is capable of taking multiple images of the same area as well as adept in receiving and processing them from anywhere in the world within a day. The images taken from the satellite will be utilised for various purposes, including environmental projects, urban planning, and infrastructure development as well as providing specialized reports to Government stake holders.
EIAST was established by the Dubai Government in 2006 with the goal of promoting a culture of advanced scientific research and technology innovation in Dubai and the UAE, and enhancing technology innovation and scientific skills among UAE Nationals. 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.
For more information, see www.eiast.ae.