In a year, KhalifaSat captures 7,250 images, completes 5,431 low earth orbits

UAE’s KhalifaSat captured 7,250 images and completed 5,431 low earth orbits within one year of its launch, the Dubai media office reported.

KhalifaSat communicated with the ground station at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) on 906 instances to share images and information as well as receive updates.

KhalifaSat, first satellite developed entirely in the UAE, launched into space from the Tanegashima Space Centre in Japan, on October 29, 2018.

KhalifaSat captured notable images of Palm Jumeirah, Al Maktoum Stadium, Kingdom Centre, Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Al-Masjid al-Nabawi among others. It also took images of projects in the UAE such as the Abu Dhabi International Airport and construction developments around The Louvre, Abu Dhabi.

“Today marks one year since the launch of KhalifaSat, the first satellite developed 100 percent in the UAE by a team of highly-qualified Emirati engineers,” said Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, director-general, MBRSC.

KhalifaSat, the most technologically superior UAE satellite, orbits the ground at a height of 580-620km. It is the third satellite made by the MBRSC post DubaiSat-1 and DubaiSat-2.

KhalifaSat’s mission includes providing images for environmental monitoring, study areas, and urban planning. It also observes environmental variations and assists in disaster relief efforts.

“One year after its launch, KhalifaSat is performing very well,” said Amer Al Ghafri, director of Space Systems Development Department and KhalifaSat project manager.

“It is still ahead of other satellites in the region, in monitoring and analysis. KhalifaSat will be able to capture more images in the next few years.”

Video: UAE’s KhalifaSat successfully launches into space