UAE to launch navigation satellite next year

Monday, 10 August 2020 08:12

The UAE is planning to launch a locally-developed navigation satellite next year, followed by a more advanced version in 2022.

According to national news agency WAM, it will be funded by the UAE Space Agency, and will be the first project to be carried out by the new Satellite Assembly, Integration and Testing Centre (AIT) in Al Ain.

The initiative's main aim is to enhance local research and design capabilities, and is not meant to replace any existing global systems.

"We try to select a certain technology, design and develop the satellite and payload here and will own the intellectual property rights," Dr. Khaled Al Hashmi, Director of the National Space Science and Technology Centre (NSSTC) at UAE University, told WAM.

"And if we are successful, the project can be expanded further," he added.

Navigation satellites offering positioning signals for car navigation systems and smartphones; and also play a key role in aviation and disaster management.

More from UAE News

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince set for official visit to Greece

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, will begin an official visit to Greece on Wednesday, October 21, at the invitation of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan names GDRFA's 'Red Carpet Travel Corridor' for Dubai-it award

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, has presented the Dubai-it Award in the government category to the team behind GDRFA's Red Carpet immigration corridor at DXB.
Sharjah Police reassure public over unusual smell

Sharjah Police have reassured the public that there is no cause for concern following reports of an unusual smell across parts of Sharjah, Dubai and other emirates.
UAE, French Presidents discuss strategic ties and regional security

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and French President Emmanuel Macron have discussed ways to further strengthen strategic ties, with a focus on investment, energy, advanced technology and artificial intelligence.
UAE bans use of antibiotic ciprofloxacin for animals

The UAE will ban the use of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin in animals from November 1, to help preserve its effectiveness in treating people.
Online insults can lead to jail and AED 500,000 fine, Dubai authorities warn

Insulting or defaming people online can lead to prison and fines of up to AED 500,000 under the UAE law, Dubai Police has warned.
Gargash praises Dubai ruler's message of togetherness to Gulf people

Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, has praised a message from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to the people of the Arab Gulf.
UAE condemns Israeli settler attack on European diplomatic delegation

The UAE has strongly condemned an attack by Israeli settlers on a European diplomatic delegation visiting the village of Taybeh in the occupied West Bank.