UAE Launches First Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Satellite

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) successfully launched its first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, Etihad-SAT, on March 15th, 2025.

In a major milestone for the UAE’s growing space program, the satellite took off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket at 10:43 AM (UAE time). The first signal from Etihad-SAT was received by MBRSC’s ground station in Dubai at 12:04 PM (UAE time), confirming the mission’s success.

Etihad-SAT is the first satellite developed under MBRSC’s Satellite Development Program. Equipped with SAR imaging technology, it can capture high-resolution images in all weather conditions, day or night. The satellite offers three modes of imaging: spot mode for detailed images of small areas, scan mode for wider coverage of large regions, and strip mode for extended observation over longer distances.

This versatility makes Etihad-SAT a powerful imaging tool for a range of applications, from detecting oil spills to aiding in natural disaster management, maritime navigation, smart agriculture, and environmental monitoring. The data gathered will be processed using AI, ensuring faster and more accurate results for these applications.

Developed in collaboration with South Korea’s Satrec Initiative, Etihad-SAT is a result of months of work from MBRSC’s engineers. The team played a key role in defining the satellite’s technical specifications, conducting design and validation phases, and ensuring compliance with international standards. As part of MBRSC’s strategy, the project involved a significant focus on knowledge transfer and technology localization, ensuring that the UAE gains expertise to support future advancements in space technology.

H.E. Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of MBRSC, commented: “The UAE is advancing steadily to become a global leader in space science and technology. This achievement, with the launch of Etihad-SAT, strengthens our Earth observation capabilities and provides valuable data for sustainable development. It also opens the door for new space technologies that will benefit the nation”.

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Satrec Initiative’s CEO, Ee-Eul Kim, shared his congratulations, stating: “The success of Etihad-SAT marks a significant achievement for the UAE. Our partnership with MBRSC in developing this high-resolution SAR satellite demonstrates the power of international collaboration. We are excited to continue our work together to shape the future of space technology”.

Etihad-SAT will be operated from MBRSC’s Mission Control Centre, where specialized teams will manage the satellite’s operations and analyze the data it sends back. The new capability enhances the UAE’s ability to monitor the planet more effectively, further cementing the country’s commitment to cutting-edge space technologies.