KhalifaSat Captures Image of Duomo di Milano In Italy and the Vacant Streets Around it During the Lockdown

Dubai, UAE, 13 May 2020: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) released an image of the Duomo di Milano and its surrounding neighbourhood in the city of Milan, Italy taken from space by KhalifaSat, during the period of lockdown initiated to curb the spread of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The maze of empty streets visible in the picture is a reminder of the time when Italy’s capital of finance and fashion came to a standstill as authorities tried to contain the outbreak of the coronavirus.

In response to the pandemic, the Italian government had progressively worked to contain the disease and declared a total national lockdown on March 10. Through testing and retesting, rigorous quarantining and other important measures, Italy has gradually begun to flatten the curve. 

KhalifaSat was fully developed at MBRSC facilities by Emirati engineers and was launched to space in October 2018. It has 5 patents and seven space innovations making it the most advanced satellite of its category in the world. KhalifaSat provides images with specifications that meet the highest international standards in space images. These high-resolution detailed images help organisations in government and private sectors get accurate data which allow them to monitor environmental changes, detect the effects of global warming, ensure responsible urban planning and management, and aid relief efforts at times of natural disasters. This will contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals and improve the quality of life.