MBRSC Showcases Groundbreaking Innovationsat World-Renowned International SpaceOps 2016

World-class projects such as the Emirates Mars Mission, KhalifaSat and more were presented at the 14th annual meeting of scientific minds in South Korea

Dubai, UAE, June 6, 2016: The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)participated at the 14th annual SpaceOps event in Daejeon, South Korea. MBRSC showcased its space projects, conducted detailed presentations and hosted demonstrations of the innovative technologies that have propelled the UAE onto the global space science stage. 

SpaceOps 2016 played host to the world’s most advanced space agencies, organisations and companies as the UAE showcased its space projects and developed technologies. These included the Emirates Mars Mission, the first-ever Arab mission to another planet that will offer the first truly global picture of the Martian atmosphere, studying weather changes throughout the day and across all seasons of the year and the first-ever Arab mission to another planet. 

MBRSC also presented KhalifaSat, the UAE’s most advanced imaging satellite and the first to be built on national soil at the Space Technology Laboratories at MBRSC, which is due for launch in 2018; Nayif-1, the country’s first Nanosatellite, the centre’s satellite imagery service capabilities, and also its on-going international Remote Sensing Application Competition, whereby talented students are able to submit innovative applications for use in satellite imagery received from DubaiSat-2. 

Participation in the SpaceOps event enabled the UAE to share knowledge with other international space key players. It also provided a global platform to showcase the country’s growing talent in the manufacture of satellites and its burgeoning space exploration nous. With SpaceOps being one of the most important dates for world leaders on the space science calendar, the event helps to further advance global knowledge of space technology and exploration to create a better future for all. 

Director General of MBRSC, Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani expressed the importance of attending SpaceOps 2016, saying: “Our involvement with the SpaceOps2016 has added meaning this year and evokes a lot of special memories for us”. 
Al Shaibani added: “South Korea was the destination where our knowledge transfer program started with our strategic partner, Satrec Initiative, back in 2006. The exchange of expertise at the time was integral to MBRSC’s learning, implementing and innovating phases that allowed us to create new technologies that have led directly to our ambitious Emirates Mars Mission.”

“The UAE’s involvement in such global events allows it to network with space decision makers and key players from countries who are well known and pioneers in the field of space. Increasing knowledge through the sharing of ideas at SpaceOps helps to keep the UAE on track to become a leader in space science that not only improves space technologies, but also boosts the economic development for its residents.

During SpaceOps seven keynote speakers from MBRSC delivered in-depth presentations with regards to the Centre’s ongoing progress and innovations. MBRSC engineers showcased ‘DubaiSat-2’s Image Handling Capabilities’, ‘The Emirates Mars Mission – Al Amal Overview’, ‘MBRSC Mission Operations’, ‘KhalifaSat Ground Mission Operations’, ‘The UAE’s First CubeSat Mission’, ‘KhalifaSat’s Flight Control Software’.

The International Committee on Technical Interchange for Space Mission Operations and Ground Data Systems (known as SpaceOps) was created as a forum for space mission operatives to meet. The forum, now in its 14th year, provides the platform for the world’s space agencies to come together, share ideas and ultimately help the human race to further their space tech and exploration capabilities.