Satellites in Dubai a pioneering model

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“The real value of the projects that we launch today is measured by the extent to which they achieve the objectives and strategic plans, the extent to which they employ the available materials, and rely on everything that is new and modern, in addition to their positive impact and provision of the highest quality of life for members of society.”

… These were the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, when he launched the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (SpaceD) program in January 2021, which aims to use space technologies In electricity and water networks, and taking advantage of the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, and provide electricity and water services according to the highest standards of quality, availability, reliability and efficiency, to make Dubai the smartest, happiest and best city for life in the world.

The United Arab Emirates has made important achievements in the space sector, and has become one of the leading countries in the field of space science and technology with unprecedented achievements in the Arab world. What it has achieved in the space sector over the past few years, starting with the launch of “KhalifaSat”, the first Arab satellite Made by 100% Emirati Hands; Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri to the International Space Station; And the launch of the “Probe of Hope” to Mars, and participation in the exploration of the moon, Venus and other asteroids in the solar system, solid evidence of the success of the UAE’s strategy in establishing a developed and sustainable science and technology sector that contributes to strengthening the knowledge economy and the state’s competitiveness in this promising sector, which is one of the sectors The country’s economy is the mainstay with investments exceeding 22 billion dirhams over the past few years.

Twelve months after the launch of SpaceD, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority launched DEWA-Sat 1, a 3U nano-satellite, to become the first service organization in the world to use nano-satellites and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, including the Internet of Things. , artificial intelligence, and blockchain to exchange information through space communications and Earth observation technologies in order to improve the operations, maintenance and planning of electricity and water networks, relying on an Emirati cadre specialized in the use of space technologies in electricity and water networks.

Nano-satellites – smaller and less expensive – are part of the technologies that will improve many areas as they are used in many sectors such as energy, agriculture, civil engineering, oil and gas, etc., and the “SpaceD” program will contribute to enhancing global competitiveness. And strategic partnerships for the national space sector in the country and building a new phase of Emirati capabilities in the field of space exploration, technology and related industries to be employed in strengthening electricity and water networks.

We also aim through the program to have nano-satellite technology complement the terrestrial Internet of Things communication network to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the authority’s operations and support the digitization of energy and water networks in a way that increases the efficiency and effectiveness of planning, operation and preventive maintenance processes for the sectors of production, transmission, distribution, smart networks and electric vehicle charging stations, in addition to Reducing costs and improving the investment of the Authority’s assets, as well as transferring knowledge and expertise and training the Authority’s national cadres.

By the end of this year, we plan to launch another 6U nano-satellite for remote sensing applications using high-resolution spatio-temporal imaging techniques that are specifically designed for the Authority’s use cases.

At DEWA, ​​we will continue to strive to enhance the UAE’s leadership in the renewable and clean energy sector, and to support the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, may God bless him, to resume Arab civilization with the support of the sons and daughters of the nation who have acquired pioneering experiences and skills in various fields, including: That’s space science and technology.