]UAE, October 31, 2013[ The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST), part of a strategic initiative to inspire scientific innovation, technological advancement in the UAE, has today (Thursday, October 31, 2013) officially opened annual astronomy event under the theme ‘Exploring Mars, Discovering Earth.’ The event which takes place at the Sharjah Science Museum has brought together leading astronomical institutions.
For the first time in the UAE, EIAST has displayed a life-sized model of Dubai Sat-1, the first remote-sensing satellite wholly-owned by a UAE entity and sent into outer space in 2009. This move aims to inform visitors about the success of the historic project, which was carried out by a team of UAE engineers and scientists who developed 30 per cent of the satellite. The Dubai Sat-1 model consists of an actual mechanical replica that matches Dubai Sat-1 in terms of weight and size, and an electronic mock-up that includes the hardware and electronic devices inside the satellite.
H.E. Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General, Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology, said: “Displaying the model of Dubai Sat-1 is a strategic move aimed at enhancing social awareness about the UAE’s huge growth in space science. The successful deployment of Dubai Sat-1 to outer space embodies our aspiration to be a leader in this field and has played a massive role in enriching the experiences of our team of scientists and engineers. It is a part of the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to bolster the UAE’s leading position as an advanced country.”
“The annual astronomy event provides us with an ideal platform to increase community awareness about astronomy and space science as well as sheds light on the UAE’s achievements in laying the foundations for scientific and technological renaissance. It also develops a solid foundation for building a sustainable future based on excellence and growth.. We are delighted to display the Dubai Sat-1 model at the Sharjah Scientific Museum, which is regarded as a creative and integrated learning environment to explore science and an attractive destination for knowledge-seekers of different age groups,” he added.
EIAST is working on developing and executing an ambitious space program that aims to enhance the UAE’s position as a leading global center for excellence in space science. The institution plans to launch Dubai Sat-2 t to outer space by the end of 2013 following a successful testing and simulation process which included matching the technical features, measuring the readiness of the ground station to support the satellite, and receiving images, among others. Dubai Sat-2 is set to be launched from the Russian launch site Yasny Cosmodrome via the Dnepr launcher which was previously used to deploy Dubai Sat-1.
EIAST was established by the Dubai Government in 2006 with the goal of promoting a culture of advanced scientific research and technology innovation in Dubai and the UAE, and enhancing technology innovation and scientific skills among UAE Nationals. It is mainly involved in outer space research and development; satellite manufacturing and systems development; space imaging; and ground station services and support for other satellites.
