Page 66 - SAMENA Trends - June-August 2021

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KAUST to Launch a Research Satellite for Monitoring Ecosystems by the

End Of 2022

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) of precision agricultural research, and a host of other earth and
and Spire, a leading space data, analytics, and services provider, environmental science applications. KAUST CubeSat research
will launch the "KAUST CubeSat" research satellite by the end of satellite will be supplied by a hyperspectral imaging sensor that
2022, it was reported here. Matthew McCabe, Director of KAUST can image areas of interest anywhere in the world across more
Climate and Livability Initiative, explained that the research than 30 user-adjustable spectral bands which can be adjusted by
satellite specializes in collecting high-quality and high-resolution a visible near-infrared (VNIR) spectrum. The received data from
data for terrestrial, coastal, and ocean ecosystems, describing the sensor can be combined with Spire's GNSS receiver to monitor
the launch as qualitative process for the Kingdom's efforts in micro-environmental variables such as soil moisture, helping in
the field of protecting and restoring ecosystems on land and many areas such as agriculture, forestry, and land management.
at sea. McCabe said the data collected from the satellite is of
paramount importance, especially in providing high-resolution
details about the current conditions of ecosystems in the region,
and monitoring improvements resulting from environmental
management strategies, thus, supporting the Green Saudi the
Green Middle East Initiatives. The launch of this first satellite
of its kind in the Kingdom constitutes the most technologically
advanced, as it combines the expertise of Spire in developing
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS-R) reflectors,
and hyperspectral imaging devices supported by advanced
capabilities in processing and artificial intelligence, which will
allow KAUST University researchers collect, analyze and use high-
resolution images of the Earth's surface for detailed mapping of
terrestrial environments, monitoring of vegetation cover status,
exploration of coastal ecosystems and coral reefs, development

Mohammed Bin Rashid Announces the Successful Launch of the Emirati
Satellite Ghalib

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin tweeted, "As part of the state's strategy wildlife." His Highness continued, "All the
Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and to empower the private sector, a group of best to Marshal Antech in entering this
Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of our exceptional Emirati youth successfully vital sector. The ambitions of the Emirati
Dubai, announced the successful launch launched the "Ghalib" satellite, the first youth will always remain the sky."
of the UAE satellite, Ghalib. His Highness Emirati satellite dedicated to track

SpaceX to Launch Korea’s Midsize Satellite in 2023

SpaceX will send South Korea’s next- open bidding. Though the launch will system design, body development,
generation midsize satellite into orbit in take place in the US, many details remain manufacture, assembly, test and actual
2023, Korea Aerospace Industries said unclear at the moment, including the launch. “KAI’s chief financial officer Kim
Sunday. KAI, the nation’s sole aircraft size of the deal and the type of SpaceX Jung-ho met with senior SpaceX official
manufacturer, which developed KF-21 rocket. The launch of midsize satellite No. in the US in May and discussed SpaceX’s
fighters, plans to launch four midsize 1 in March was conducted by the state- foray into the Asian market, and confirmed
satellites by 2025 -- No. 2 in 2022, run Korea Aerospace Research Institute. the possibility of partnership between the
No. 3 and No. 4 in 2023 and No. 5 in Starting from the launch of satellite No. 2, two firms,” a KAI official said. “Whether
2025. SpaceX rocket will carry the No. which will be the first one in Korea led by SpaceX will launch satellites No. 2, No. 3
4 into orbit, which will monitor Korean the private sector, KAI will be responsible and No. 5 hasn’t been decided yet,” another
agriculture. KAI selected SpaceX in an for the development of the four satellites’ KAI official said.

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