Artist's impression of the DubaiSat-2 satellite

....with the National Space Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Kazcosmoz), to co-operate in space exploration and technology within the framework of peaceful use of the outer space. The MoU, signed between His Excellency Ahmed Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of EIAST, and His Excellency Talgat Mussabayev, Chairman of Kazcosmos, will enable the two organizations to share expertise and resources in a number of areas including space science, earth remote sensing, satellite communication and global satellite navigation. EIAST and Kazcosmos have also agreed to co-operate in the use of space infrastructure, creation of spacecraft and components and various activities relating to the development, production and launch of satellites.

As per the MoU, the two organizations will focus on the human component by actively collaborate in research, training, data exchange of knowledge, and in organizing conferences, workshops and exhibitions relating to space activity. EIAST successfully launched DubaiSat-1, the UAE's first Earth Observation Satellite in July 2009, and since then, the satellite has been transmitting images that are of great value in several areas. Its relatively high spatial resolution complements existing Geographic Information System (GIS) databases and enables more efficient monitoring and prediction of natural hazards such as sandstorms, observation and fog forecast; predicting sand storms; and identifying the quality of water in the Gulf region.

EIAST is currently preparing to launch DubaiSat-2 by the fourth quarter of 2012. The second mission will be a totally new design developed by EIAST and Satrec Initiative of South Korea and will produce higher and better quality image data. Preparations have now reached the Critical Design Review (CDR) phase after completing preliminary design reviews and 16 UAE engineers have been working on the design, development, testing and manufacturing of the satellite.