When the UAE launched KhalifaSat – its first advanced Earth observation satellite – in October 2018, former astronaut and NASA administrator Charles Bolden described it as “another link in the chain that helps us understand our environment.” With the successful launch of the Emirati space probe MBZ-Sat on Tuesday, that chain has become even stronger, reported by The National.
Among the device’s many key features is its ability to provide advanced imagery to help those battling natural or man-made disasters. Amar Wora, head of space at consultancy Serco Middle East, said the satellite’s powerful camera will unlock new and improved civilian applications in the UAE and beyond, helping to better manage infrastructure, monitor the environment and support disaster relief, among a number of other purposes.
MBZ-Sat
MBZ-Sat is the latest example of the UAE rethinking preparedness and response in a region vulnerable to natural disasters or man-made crises. The 2023 earthquake in Syria and Turkey, the 2019 forest fires in Lebanon, regular tremors in Iran, and the recurring drought in Iraq are all examples of deadly challenges that could be better addressed with the help of cutting-edge technology. The UAE is well-known for sending vital aid to disaster zones, but the launch of MBZ-Sat shows that the country is also using its technical and digital know-how in ways that benefit people at home and abroad.
This collaborative and international approach inherent in MBZ-Sat can be seen in other UAE disaster prevention and relief initiatives. This week, it was revealed that Dubai Civil Defence is leading a scheme to help supply essential firefighting equipment and build new fire stations around the world. The 1 Billion Readiness project, which will run until 2027, aims to educate and train one billion people worldwide in fire prevention measures, bringing together 34 countries and 16 major firefighting organisations.
Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre
Like the 1 Billion Readiness project, MBZ-Sat is a key enabler of international cooperation. Speaking ahead of the launch on Tuesday, Salem Al Marri, director general of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, spoke of “potential collaborations and future projects with our partners.” The World Summit on Crisis and Emergency Management will be held in Abu Dhabi in April, which aims to unite international efforts in responding to major crises, emergencies and disasters.
Taken together, these latest developments show how disaster preparedness is shaping up in the 21st century. This combination of high-tech approaches, resources and experience sharing, combined with public-private partnerships and international cooperation, is a promising and timely combination. As scientists predict more extreme weather and rising temperatures, having eyes in the sky that can provide vital information will not only help inform humanity’s next steps, it could also save lives.