The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) hosted a delegation of 20 students from the Geography and Urban Planning Department of the UAE University. The visit aimed at introducing students to the development programmes adopted by EIAST and learning more about the vital role played by 'DubaiSat-1'.

The delegation was briefed on the main scientific programmes including space, astronomy, energy and environment & water research.

Adnan Mohammed Al Rais, Team Leader - Ground Systems and Image Processing, who received the delegation, gave a detailed presentation on the launch process of DubaiSat-1 and how the Ground Control Station is connected to the satellite for receiving images. The delegation also visited the Ground Control Station connected to DubaiSat-1, the Image Processing and Data Analysis lab, and the Assembly Integration and Test room.

His Excellency Mr Ahmed Al Mansoori, Director General, EIAST, said: "The visit of students from UAE University is important given the vital role that the university plays in strengthening and preparing human resources for careers in science and advanced technology. The success of DubaiSat-1 will be a catalyst for university students and young nationals to pursue the path of advanced technology for the overall welfare of the nation."

"We believe that the visit has strengthened the awareness of the students of the UAE's capabilities in science research and opened the prospects for developing programmes at the university that meet the aspirations of the nation," added Mr Al Mansoori.

The DubaiSat-1 is the first remote sensing satellite owned by the UAE which represents the country's determination to possess advanced space technologies to fulfil the needs of scientific and technological research, as well as to provide up-to-date spatial and earth monitoring data that aids the holistic growth drive adopted by the nation.