Al Ain : The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) announced their preparations are complete for launching the Arab satellite “813” in the last quarter of this year. Developed by the university’s National Space Science and Technology Centre (NSSTC), the project involved over 30 engineers from the centre and trained engineers from other Arab nations.
The initiative is part of an educational and research programme to advance space science, innovation, and applied research.
Weighing about 200kg and named “813” after the year the House of Wisdom was founded in Baghdad, the satellite will enter a sun-synchronous orbit at 550-650 km for advanced earth observation.
It features a hyperspectral imaging payload capable of capturing over 200 spectral bands for detailed environmental analysis, along with advanced S-band and X-band communication systems.
The university has set up a ground station in Al Ain to process and convert the satellite’s data into maps and scientific resources for researchers and students. The project will support applied research in agriculture, resource management, and environmental monitoring through the “HyperX” platform.
