DubaiSat-1, the first remote sensing satellite developed by a UAE entity, will be launched on July 25, 2009.

The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science & Technology (EIAST), which developed the satellite, announced that DubaiSat-1 will be launched on board a Russian Dnepr rocket marking a milestone in the UAE's path of innovation and scientific and technological exploration.

DubaiSat-1, which is a stepping stone in the UAE's attempt to create a sound infrastructure that enables the collection of space and earth observation data for the comprehensive development of the nation, highlights its commitment to create a knowledge based economy.

His Excellency Mr Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, EIAST Board Chairman, said: 'DubaiSat-1 comes in line with the directions of our visionary leadership in enhancing knowledge and technological development, and embracing the latest achievements to position the UAE as the regional hub of the Knowledge Economy. The launch of DubaiSat-1 will pave the way for the further space projects that highlight the UAE's thought-leadership role in space technology research.'

He added, 'EIAST is honoured to play an instrumental role in promoting the culture of advanced scientific research and technology innovation in Dubai and the UAE, and in creating an internationally competitive base for human skills development. We are committed to positioning the UAE as a science and technology hub and establishing international collaborations and joint projects with industry and research organizations.'

His Excellency Mr Ahmed Al Mansoori, Director General and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, EIAST, explained, 'With the launch of DubaiSat-1, we are reiterating our goal to strengthen the involvement of UAE nationals in space technology research. We are investing in our National human resources in sectors that are the cutting edge of technology. The launch of DubaiSat-1 is the effort and expertise of several young UAE nationals, who made considerable contribution to the strategic project over the past two years. EIAST plans to similar projects in phases, especially with the launch of DubaiSat-2 and Sat-3, developed fully by UAE nationals.'

The launch of DubaiSat-1 consists of three segments; space, ground and actual launch. The ground segment comprises mission control station, image receiving and processing station, and antenna and RF subsystem. Images from DubaiSat-1 can be used for many applications such as urban development, scientific research, telecommunications, transportation, civil engineering & constructions, mapping and GIS.

EIAST is currently focused on research in four areas: observation and fog forecast; use of satellite pictures in predicting sand storms; quality of water in the Gulf region - especially the effect of waste distillation in environment and marine life surrounding the oceans existing in the UAE; and ways to improve the clarity of satellite pictures.