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Climate change

UAE Launches Sirb Programme to Enhance Space Sector and Address Climate Change Challenges

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, have launched the Sirb programme, a historic moment in the development of the UAE's space sector. The programme aims to enhance the UAE's space sector, address climate change challenges, urban development, natural disasters, and food security challenges by leveraging national industrial expertise and global partnerships.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Sirb programme will launch the first satellite in 2026, complementing the UAE's investment in remote sensing technologies.
  • EDGE will manage the programme, focusing on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload development, while Yahsat, Bayanat, and NSSTC will contribute to satellite operations, data management, and assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) operations respectively.
  • The programme aims to commercialize the satellites and their data for scientific and commercial applications, enhancing the UAE's position as a global hub for talent, investment, and innovation.
  • The UAE Space Agency, under the leadership of Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology Sarah Al Amiri, will supervise the launch of the development phase of the Sirb programme.
  • The Sirb programme will nurture partnerships with global institutions, offer incentives, and consolidate the UAE's position as a global leader in space while driving economic growth and technological innovation.

Statistics:

  • The first satellite will be launched in 2026.
  • 3 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites will be developed, using state-of-the-art imaging technology to achieve high-precision results in all weather conditions.
  • The programme aims to enhance the UAE's efforts to find solutions to climate change challenges, environmental sustainability, urban development, natural disasters, and food security, by relying on qualified national talent and UAE companies.

Sources:

  • Media Office, Government of UAE
  • Contify.com (Copyright 2017)

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