The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science & Technology (EIAST) has marked the successful implementation of the Dubai and Federal government Strategic Plan in building a knowledge-based economy, with the seamless launch of DubaiSat-1.

The DubaiSat-1 launch highlights the deployment by EIAST of advanced technologies to serve the UAE, and in establishing international collaborations in research and advanced technology, both in line with the Strategic Plan. EIAST has also been working to create an internationally competitive base for human skills development and positioning the UAE as a science and technology development hub among advanced nations.

This was announced at a press conference by EIAST to announce the details of the successful launch of DubaiSat-1.

His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, EIAST Board Chairman, said: 'As we celebrate such historic achievement, we express our gratitude to the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, for their continuous support. We also congratulate the UAE nation for the successful launch of the satellite, which was achieved through the dedicated efforts of UAE nationals.'

'The importance of the launch of 'DubaiSat-1' successfully into outer space is not only limited to the UAE being part of advanced technology countries. It also represents the distinguished role played by UAE nationals in carrying out the project at all levels - from planning, reviewing, manufacture and the launch process. This achievement sheds light on the extent of technological and industrial progress achieved by the UAE under the wise leaders, who are keen to improve and strengthen scientific and technological skills and to adopt the latest developments,' he added.

His Excellency Mr Ahmed Al Mansoori, Director General, EIAST, said: 'All scientific research efforts continue to be focused on the exploration of space. They are focused on the employment of advanced technologies to strengthen the march of human civilization and human advancement. This has indeed become a beacon of hope for solving planet earth's problems and crises - and we have several pressing challenges facing our planet now. It is in this context that the launch of DubaiSat-1 must be analysed.'

He added: 'Now, as we celebrate the launch of one of the first projects of EIAST, we are proud to state that the UAE has established its own imprint in space research and technologies. This will enable us to provide beneficial solutions that will benefit the nation as well as larger mankind. We are proud to be the first government department to translate the Strategic Plans of Dubai and the UAE into reality. This is a first step in meeting EIAST's objectives, through which we raise the UAE's name to stand high in the ranks of developed nations.'

Mr Al Mansoori said that the purpose of DubaiSat-1 launch is not only to launch a satellite into outer space, but also to build an integrated scientific and technological system that embraces the creative energies of UAE nationals to create a new generation of scientists capable of upgrading the level of advanced technology to the highest levels and be on par internationally.

DubaiSat-1 consists of two segments; space, and ground. The space segment comprises development, design and manufacture of satellite equipment and components of the measurement and imaging. The ground segment comprises mission control station, image receiving and processing station, and antenna and RF subsystem.

EIAST has recently unveiled its new corporate identity with the slogan 'The key to the future', which reflects EIAST's commitment to support the directions of Dubai government in building a knowledge-based economy.