Arab satellite"813" It highlights the UAE’s capabilities in assembling and testing satellites

Al Ain, November 13 / WAM / The National Center for Space Science and Technology at the United Arab Emirates University announced its success in implementing all stages of environmental and technical tests for the Arab satellite “813” within its assembly, integration and testing facility in the Al Ain region, using national infrastructure and entirely Emirati competencies.

The achievement is a pivotal step in developing the country’s capabilities in the field of assembling and testing AIT satellites locally.

The center has established its position as an integrated facility capable of carrying out test campaigns in accordance with the highest international standards, which enhances the sustainability of the development of the national space sector in the UAE.

He also announced the success of the Arab satellite “813” in passing the launch readiness review and the operational readiness review, which reflects its readiness for launch and its ability to operate reliably and continuously in orbit.

The environmental tests included a set of precise and advanced tests that simulate the harsh space environment that the Arab satellite “813” will be exposed to during the launch and orbital operations stages.

These tests were carried out using high-precision measuring instruments and in a pollution-free environment within the center’s Assembly, Integration and Testing Facility (AIT), in accordance with the highest international standards, and included thermal vacuum testing to simulate space conditions in terms of temperature and pressure, and to ensure the efficiency of thermal systems and the stability of components.

This test is conducted inside a vacuum thermal chamber, in which the satellite is exposed to thermal cycles ranging between very high and very low temperatures (-173 to 127 Celsius), to simulate outer space conditions. This test helps evaluate the efficiency of thermal systems and the moon’s ability to maintain thermal stability while operating in orbit.

It also included a vibration test to simulate the mechanical loads on the satellite resulting from the launch environment and to ensure the durability of the structure and the safety of the internal systems. It aims to simulate the acceleration and vibrations to which the moon is exposed during launch, using the three-dimensional axis (X, Y, Z).

The response of the electronic structures and modules to mechanical stresses is monitored to ensure that no malfunction occurs in the mechanical system that affects the satellite structure and the payload.

The tests also included a mass characteristics test, which measures the mass and center of gravity of the satellite with high accuracy and within specified tolerance limits. These measurements are necessary to ensure accurate positioning and direction control during orbital operations.

These tests were carried out with great care and by specialized Emirati hands, to ensure that the satellite complies with performance and safety requirements in the space environment, in accordance with the highest international technical standards.

The Launch Readiness Review (FRR) verified the full readiness of the satellite, launch vehicle, and ground systems, after completing all required tests and safety procedures.

As for the Operational Readiness Review (ORR), it confirmed the readiness of the ground control station and operations teams at the National Center for Space Science and Technology, verified the completion of systems, programs and operational procedures, and ensured a smooth transition from the launch phase to operation in orbit.

This comes after the assembly, integration and testing phase (AIT), which was fully implemented at the National Center for Space Science and Technology in the Al Ain region, at the hands of certified Emirati engineers and technicians, and under the supervision of Airbus, as a partner in transferring knowledge for the AIT phase.

This is the first time that a complete qualification campaign for a satellite of this size has been successfully carried out within the facilities of the National Center for Space Science and Technology.

The Arab satellite “813” passing environmental tests represents a qualitative step in the journey of the National Center for Space Science and Technology towards developing an advanced space infrastructure within the country, especially since the goal of this project was not limited to being a technical achievement, but rather was an essential step towards building a sustainable national base of competencies and expertise.

The environmental and functional testing phase of the Arab satellite “813” was carried out in accordance with the highest international standards approved in the space sector.

This phase included thermal vacuum tests, vibration, mass characteristics, and solar panel deployment tests. In addition to environmental tests, comprehensive functional tests of the satellite and its entire payload were conducted within the center’s Assembly, Integration and Testing Facility (AIT). These tests are necessary to ensure the satellite’s readiness and ability to withstand harsh conditions during launch and operate efficiently in its orbit.

What makes this stage particularly special is that the mechanical ground support equipment used in these tests was completely designed by a team of Emirati engineers and manufactured locally in a step that enhances the development of an integrated national industrial system that serves the space sector and ensures its sustainability.

It is worth noting that after the moment the launch rocket takes off, the team in the Al Ain region will be responsible for commanding the satellite and directing it step by step.

The satellite includes a group of advanced payloads that allow capturing hyperspectral images with high resolution, which supports environmental monitoring and enhances data-based decision-making in multiple fields, including natural resource management, monitoring desertification and vegetation change, analyzing air and water quality, assessing the effects of climate change, and supporting the response to environmental disasters.

It is noteworthy that the Arab Satellite Project “813” is the first project in cooperation with Arab countries led by the United Arab Emirates, within the framework of the guidance and announcement 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”, about the project as a gift to the Arab Group for Space Cooperation on the occasion of the signing of the charter establishing the Arab Group for Space Cooperation. It is implemented through the National Center for Space Science and Technology at the United Arab Emirates University, and in cooperation with the Arab countries affiliated with the Arab Group for Space Cooperation.

Scientifically, the project will contribute to supporting research and analysis efforts by enabling environmental mapping, monitoring and archiving natural phenomena and resources, studying land cover dynamics, and monitoring the condition of agricultural crops. It will provide accurate information about the quality and spread of internal waters, and contribute to assessing land erosion and soil pollution in the context of climate change, in addition to monitoring the condition of mining sites and analyzing their environmental impacts.

The 813 satellite represents a model for Arab space cooperation, and a strategic step towards building a sustainable Arab space system that relies on local competencies and advanced scientific research.

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