The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) highlighted the main expertise and challenges involved in developing DubaiSat-1, the UAE’s first remote sensing satellite, at its participation in the Engineering Challenges Conference 2010 held at the Higher Colleges of Technology. EIAST also displayed the most recent images received from the satellite at the event.
Engineer Salem Al Marri, Project Manager – DubaiSat-1 at EIAST, presented a paper at the conference focusing on the different stages of completing the DubaiSat-1 project and the various engineering, scientific and logistics challenges and lessons the young UAE team of scientists learnt from the whole experience.
Al Marri said that the risks in this type of projects are often high as there is no guarantee for any launch, which can be canceled at the last minute due to factors as simple as weather or the inability of the rocket boosters to deliver the satellite to orbit. He said that DubaiSat-1 is a scientific practical project that includes many technical aspects, which require time and effort to study, prepare and implement.
“The launch of satellites is a very complicated process that requires verification of a lot of data, details, stages of preparation, and is subject to many variables that cannot be guaranteed or controlled. Finalizing all stages according to schedule is not a hundred per cent guarantee for the success of the project as variables and results cannot be predicted,” said Al Marri.
The model of DubaiSat-1 provided visitors an in-depth insight into the working and functions of the satellite, while the images offered a glimpse of the potential applications they have in sectors as varied as urban development, scientific research, transportation, civil engineering, construction, mapping and GIS.
“EIAST has developed a number of ground-breaking initiatives to further promote UAE talent through research projects in collaboration with universities. These include joint projects with Khalifa University of Science, Technology, and Research and The American University in Dubai,” added Al Marri.
EIAST focuses on four main scientific programs: Space, Astronomy, Energy, and Environment and water research. EIAST launched DubaiSat-1 to outer space and has begun work on the specifications for its third satellite, DubaiSat-3, even as work on DubaiSat-2 continues at full pace for its potential launch by end of 2012.
