813 Satellite

The Arab Satellite 813 is an advanced earth observation satellite which is intended to monitor earth, environment and climate implemented by UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. 

Satellite 813 has been named referring to the date that marked the beginning of prosperity for the House of Wisdom in Baghdad under the reign of Al-Ma’mun.

The program involves the execution of a Satellite Mission that will develop a Spacecraft to host a hyperspectral optical instrument. In addition, the program is expected to act as a platform of collaboration between countries that are members of the Arab Space Cooperation Group (ASCG).

The program has been awarded to the NSSTC in UAEU as prime contractor by the UAE Space Agency.

Mission Objectives

To provide hyperspectral observations in the Visible/ Near Infrared (VNIR) and the Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum primarily over the UAE and other countries of the Arab Space Collaboration Group.

To provide UAE scientific community and government authorities with a national source of data to reach better understanding of climate change, bring scientific evidence and develop solutions to significant environmental issues.

To develop hyperspectral data processing capabilities locally in order to produce applications related to climate change as well as vegetation, soil types, minerals and water sources, measuring greenhouse gases, pollution and dust levels.

To encourage members of the Arab Space Cooperation Group (ASCG) to step into the field of space science and technology, by involving a group of scientists and engineers from the Arab world in the program.

Research and Development

• Innovative micro-satellite structures
• Develop and demonstrate NSSTC’s AIT capabilities
• Develop and implement NSSTC’s Ground Segment
• Implement research studies related to climate change
• Hyperspectral data processing

The Arab Satellite 813

• Mass: 75 – 200 kg Micro-satellite
• Mission lifetime: Minimum 3 years
• Altitude/Orbit: LEO coverage over MENA region, Sun-Synchronous Orbit
• Payload: Hyperspectral (>100 bands) active in both the VNIR and SWIR spectral ranges (400 – 1700 nm)
• Data Reception: Ground Station for Telemetry, Telecommand and Payload Data Downlink at NSSTC UAEU
• Launch date: Q2 2025