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[UAE, November 16, 2013] The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST) will showcase the features of the soon-to-be-launched DubaiSat-2 earth observation satellite during its participation at the Dubai Airshow 2013 which will be held for the first time at the Dubai World Central's Aviation District from November 17 to 21, 2013. H.E. Yousuf Al Shaibani, Director General of EIAST, emphasized the importance of participating in the Dubai Airshow, one of the biggest events on the aerospace calendar. He explained that the event offers an ideal platform to showcase the strategic and technical specifications of DubaiSat-2 as a key addition to EIAST's efforts in raising the bar on technical excellence and comprehensive scientific development in the UAE. H.E. noted that the Institute is steadfast in its commitment to leverage the latest technologies and advanced science on par with the leadership's development vision. “The DubaiSat-2 project is part of EIAST's ongoing achievements in the fields of space technology and advanced sciences, and reinforces the leading position of the UAE in the regional space industry. We will continue with our efforts to develop UAE Nationals and drive technological innovation through the transfer and optimal use of technical expertise from South Korea for transforming Dubai into a leading satellite manufacturer and provider of innovative solutions. Upon launch of DubaiSat-2 into orbit, we plan to commence development of DubaiSat-3, which will be completed in the UAE by Emirati engineers,” H.E. Al Shaibani added. EIAST also added that DubaiSat-2 will be launched into space from the Yasny Launch Base in Russia, atop the Dnepr rocket that was previously used for the launch of DubaiSat-1. Several technical improvements have been made to DubaiSat-2, which weighs 300 kg and is 2 meters high and 0.5 meters wide. The orbital height of the satellite has been set to 600 km above the earth's surface. Compared to DubaiSat-1's current orbit of 690 km, the new satellite is moving at a descending North-to-South orbit that will allow comprehensive coverage over the UAE to support better surveys and scientific researches. DubaiSat-2 has been designed to provide higher quality, electro-optical imagery with a panchromatic resolution of 1m and a multispectral resolution of 4m for various applications including environmental projects, urban planning and infrastructure. The satellite is equipped to provide space imagery of the entire world throughout its lifetime. Following intensive testing of the satellite system, DubaiSat-2 was moved recently from South Korea to Russia under the supervision of EIAST's engineers in preparation for its upcoming launch. Interestingly, the Expo 2020 logo will be displayed on the DubaiSat-2's rocket launcher as part of its initiative to support the UAE's World Expo 2020 bid. 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. It specifically aims to broaden the participation of UAE Nationals in technological innovation and hone their leadership in the scientific field. The Institute is mainly involved in outer space research and development; the manufacturing of satellites and the development of related systems; space imaging; and ground station services and support for other satellites.
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