The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has revealed plans to launch Etihad-SAT, the UAE’s first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 in March 2025. This advanced satellite technology promises robust Earth observation capabilities in all weather conditions, amplifying the nation’s aspirations in the space sector.
Etihad-SAT, developed in partnership with South Korea’s Satrec Initiative, will be launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The satellite represents a major leap in MBRSC’s Satellite Development Programme by introducing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, offering the UAE robust imaging capabilities day and night, under any weather conditions.
H.E. Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, highlighted how Etihad-SAT aligns with the UAE’s broader space ambitions and economic growth strategies: “Adding a SAR satellite expands our ability to deliver innovative solutions for sustainability, environmental management, and advanced satellite technology.”
H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General at MBRSC, added that Etihad-SAT’s design results from a knowledge-transfer programme with Satrec Initiative. The satellite will serve vital sectors nationwide, signaling the UAE’s dedication to pioneering spacecraft solutions that enhance the national economy and global standing.
Work on Etihad-SAT began two years ago through close collaboration with Satrec Initiative. MBRSC engineers initially focused on defining system requirements and technical standards, followed by design and testing. In later stages, the team led final manufacturing processes, reinforcing the UAE’s focus on international partnerships.
The satellite’s SAR payload can capture high-resolution images of Earth’s surface regardless of daylight or weather. It supports three imaging modes—spot, strip, and scan—tailored to different observation needs. Etihad-SAT will enable applications such as oil spill detection, marine navigation, natural disaster monitoring, and precision agriculture. The system’s ability to collect uninterrupted data also underscores SAR’s prominence in critical Earth observation missions.
Once in orbit, Etihad-SAT will join the growing UAE satellite fleet, underlining MBRSC’s capabilities in remote sensing and space innovation. With plans to use AI-driven data analysis for faster image processing, MBRSC aims to strengthen the UAE’s competitiveness in the global space landscape. This mission sets a new benchmark for homegrown satellite initiatives and exemplifies the nation’s drive to become a leader in advanced space technology.
