In March 2019, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum witnessed the signing of a charter to establish the first Arab group for space cooperation, comprising 11 Arab countries. Its first project will be the Arab Satellite 813, which will be developed by Arab scientists from the United Arab Emirates.

The name 813 refers to the year that marked the beginning of a flourishing scientific era at the House of Wisdom in Baghdad, a well-recognized center for knowledge exchange, and scientific advancement. The mission carries this legacy forward by bringing together Arab expertise to drive innovation in space science and applications.

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Objectives

  • Developing the skills of Arab engineers and scientists in the fields of space science, technology, and innovation.
  • Encouraging Arab countries to enter the field of space science and technology, and strengthening cooperation among the Arab Space Cooperation Group through joint projects in space science and technology.
  • Enhancing the technical foundation of the National Space Science and Technology Center by developing and applying advanced capabilities in the assembly, integration, and testing of small satellites, while providing a platform to attract and activate the participation of Arab experts in the space sector.
  • Achieving a better understanding of climate change and developing solutions for critical environmental issues in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The Arab Satellite 813 Payloads Overview

  • Hyperspectral Imager (HSI): Operating across the visible and shortwave infrared spectrum (400-1700 nm), the HSI captures highly detailed spectral data with over 200 distinct bands. It enables precise monitoring of vegetation, water bodies, and land use for advanced environmental analysis.
  • Panchromatic Imager (PAN): This high-resolution sensor captures black-and-white imagery, providing fine spatial detail of Earth's surface. It is ideal for applications requiring sharp visual clarity, such as detailed mapping and surface feature detection.
  • Atmospheric Polarimeter (AP): The AP measures light polarization across 12 spectral bands, offering valuable data on atmospheric conditions. This enhances the accuracy of environmental monitoring and supports climate research.

Technical Specifications of the Arab Satellite 813

Subject

Number

Scientific Payloads3 (HSI, PAN, AP)
Satellite Mass~260 kg
Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) Spatial Resolution20 m
Panchromatic (PAN) Spatial Resolution5 m
Spectral Bands205
Spectral Range400–1700 nm
Spectral Sampling5 nm
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) (Average); delivering high-quality, reliable data150
Swath Width13 km
Operational Period (Planned)3 years
Orbit Altitude (Orbit Type)550 km (Sun-synchronous)

Scientific Focus Areas of the Arab Satellite 813

No.

Subject

1Agriculture and Smart Farming: Monitoring crop health, classifying vegetation, and assessing water stress for enhanced agricultural productivity.
2Water Resources and Hydrology: Mapping surface water, evaluating water quality, and analyzing sediments and chlorophyll concentration.
3Environmental and Climate Monitoring: Detecting deforestation, air pollution, and climate variation indicators.
4Marine and Coastal Studies: Monitoring algal blooms, marine pollution, and assessing water transparency in coastal areas.
5Disaster and Risk Management: Observing urban expansion and natural hazards to enhance disaster preparedness.
6Geological and Mineral Mapping: Analyzing soil moisture, mineral distribution, salinity, and organic matter content.
7Atmosphere and Gas Emission Tracking: Detecting and measuring methane and other greenhouse gas emissions.

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