[SatNews] In order to achieve all of the new features for the satellite, the company has plans to develop several new technologies.

The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) has announced the completion of KhalifaSat’s design, the first satellite that will be designed and built by Emirati engineers in the UAE. The new software developed technologies and systems are enhanced by 30 percent compared to DubaiSat-2. During a meeting of the internal review board, which comprised of system engineers, managers and consultants, EIAST’s engineers presented their designs on the different modules and sub-systems of KhalifaSat and discussed the different aspects of the satellite’s design concluding the first phase of the project.

Eng. Amer Al Sayegh, during a presentation.

H.E. Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General, EIAST, said: “KhalifaSat is a milestone for EIAST as well as the UAE. It will be an assessment of our capabilities in satellite manufacturing helping us position ourselves as leaders in satellite development and technology regionally and internationally. Detailed Design Review meeting was an occasion to evaluate the progress made so far in the projects related to the Emirati-designed and built satellite. We are delighted that this progress is as per our timeline and results have exceeded expectations.”

The engineers for the KhalifaSat project.

Eng. Amer Al Sayegh, Director of the Space Systems Development Department at EIAST and KhalifaSat Project Manager explained that, “the team has developed new satellite software which can be used in future satellite projects. We are in the process of finalizing the mock-up model of KhalifaSat which will have a bus similar to that of DubiSat-2 but with an improved mechanical structure which will house a more developed camera. The technologies for KhalifaSat were enhanced by 30 percent compared to DubaiSat-2, including a highly sophisticated camera system, which will image at a resolution of 70 cm, more storage capacity, faster download speed, and better computing capabilities,” he added.

EIAST was established by the Dubai Government in 2006 to encourage scientific innovation and technological progress in Dubai and in the UAE. It also aims to develop the scientific skills and knowledge of Emiratis. It is mainly involved in outer space research and development; satellite manufacturing and systems development; space imaging; and ground station services and support for other satellites. For more information, please visit EIAST website: www.eiast.ae