THE United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken another significant leap in the nation’s space capabilities through its latest radar project at a time when the oil-rich Gulf state is committed to pursuing its space ambitions.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, oversaw the execution phase of the radar satellite constellation project known as the Sirb program.
The satellite project will support the UAE’s efforts to find solutions to climate change challenges and environmental sustainability, contribute to urban development, integrate efforts to tackle natural disasters and support food security challenges.
The country aims to launch its first satellite sometime in 2026 under the Sirb program.
In October 2018, the UAE marked a new era in global space exploration when it launched Khalifasat, the country’s first satellite built from scratch.
The UAE also announced plans to explore the moon, mars, and the asteroid belt in the next five years.
According to the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, the initiative is part of the UAE’s ambitious vision to become a global hub for manufacturing and operating satellites.
