Abu Dhabi: In line with the UAE's ambitious vision to lead and strengthen Arab cooperation in the space sector, the Arab Satellite 813 programme team has successfully concluded the System Integration Review (SIR), a pivotal milestone in the satellite's lifecycle, confirming the satellite's readiness to proceed to the final stages of environmental testing.
According to Emirates News Agency, the review was conducted with the participation of senior leadership from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), experts from the UAE Space Agency, and representatives from several technical entities. It involved a comprehensive evaluation of subsystem readiness, final design verification, thermal and mechanical test plans, as well as confirmation of the successful integration between the payload and the platform.
Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, stated that the Arab Satellite 813 Project reflects the UAE's commitment to fostering joint Arab action in the space sector and its strategic vision to reinforce the region's position in advanced space industries. He emphasized that this initiative supports leading efforts that unite Arab contributions and open new opportunities for youth and Arab scientists and researchers.
Al Qubaisi further mentioned that Arab cooperation in scientific fields is the foundation for building a future based on knowledge and innovation. He expressed confidence that this new achievement will enhance Arab countries' capacity to develop space solutions that support environmental sustainability and comprehensive development.
Ali Al Shehhi, Director of the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC), remarked on the completion of the SIR, noting that it marks a defining moment in the region's journey towards space self-reliance and scientific leadership. He highlighted the UAE's commitment to enabling Arab collaboration in space and utilizing advanced technologies for environmental monitoring, knowledge transfer, and sustainable development.
Eiman Al Shamsi, programme Manager of the 813 Project, noted that the successful completion of the System Integration Review signifies that both the satellite and the NSSTC Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) facilities are fully prepared for the final phases of integration and environmental testing. She reflected on the dedication and technical expertise of the team and the strength of strategic partnerships that contribute to advancing scientific research and supporting the national space sector's growth.
The Arab Satellite 813 Project is the first space cooperation project between Arab countries, led by the UAE. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced Satellite 813 as a gift to the Arab Space Cooperation Group at the Global Space Conference. The UAE Space Agency funds and supervises the project, while the National Space Science and Technology Centre in the UAE University leads its execution in collaboration with members of the Arab Space Cooperation Group.
The project aims to assist in environmental mapping and monitoring, archiving phenomena, identifying natural resources, studying land cover dynamics and crop conditions, analysing internal water quality, evaluating land erosion and soil pollution versus climate, assessing mining site conditions, and detecting rare earth and essential minerals.