Arab Satellite 813 Program to proceed final stages of environmental testing

This is a pivotal moment in the satellite’s lifecycle, confirming the satellite’s readiness to proceed to the final stages of environmental testing.

The review, 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, 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.

His Excellency Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, said: “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. It also supports leading initiatives that unite Arab efforts and open new horizons for youth and Arab scientists and researchers.”

Al Qubaisi added: “We believe that Arab cooperation in scientific fields is the foundation for building a future built on knowledge and innovation. This new achievement will certainly enhance Arab countries’ ability to develop space solutions that support environmental sustainability and comprehensive development.”

Al Qubaisi continued: “Space is a powerful and a strategic tool for building a diversified economy. Enabling local and Arab talents to lead qualitative global projects is the result of a long-term vision that invests in youth, science, and regional integration. The UAE will continue to support every Arab project that reflects our common ambitions and strengthens our position in the future knowledge-based economy."

Ali Al Shehhi, Director of the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC), said: “The completion of the SIR for the Arab Satellite 813 is more than a technical achievement, it is a defining moment in our region’s journey towards space self-reliance and scientific leadership.”

Al Shehhi added: “This milestone reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to enabling Arab collaboration in space, and to harnessing advanced technologies for environmental monitoring, knowledge transfer, and sustainable development. We are proud to lead a program that carries regional purpose and global potential.”

The Arab Satellite 813 Project is the first space cooperation project between the Arab countries led by the UAE. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai announced Satellite 813 as a present to the Arab Space Cooperation Group at the Global Space Conference, in light of signing the charter of establishment. The UAE Space Agency funds and supervises the project while the National Space Science and Technology Center in UAE University leads the execution of the project in collaboration with members of the Arab Space Cooperation Group.

The project will assist in environmental mapping and monitoring, archiving phenomena as well as identifying natural resources, studying land cover dynamics and crop conditions, analysing internal water quality and spread, evaluating land erosion and soil pollution versus climate, mining site conditions, in addition to geological exploration and detection of rare earth minerals (RE), and essential minerals.