UAE launches satellite to help environmental protection work

The United Arab Emirates University successfully launched the SEO satellite on Sunday from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre in China, according to state news agency Wam. The satellite's mission, announced by the university's National Space and Science Technology Centre, aims to enhance environmental protection efforts and support UAE's ambitions in science, technology, and innovation.

The satellite will gather data for research in sustainability, natural resource management, planning, and decision-making. Salem Al Qubaisi, director general of the UAE Space Agency, emphasized that the launch aligns with the UAE's vision and National Space Strategy to strengthen the nation's position among global leaders in the sector and foster sustainable development.

Dr Nabil Mohammed Al Bastaki, director of the National Space and Science Technology Centre, highlighted that the project would provide researchers and engineers with valuable experience in satellite design, development, and operations. The satellite development involved cooperation with partners in China and aimed to engage Emirati engineers, researchers, and students throughout the process.

The UAE's satellite industry is growing rapidly, with the launch of the Foresight-3, Foresight-4, and Foresight-5 satellites by Space42 in June, which utilize advanced radar technology for high-resolution Earth imaging. The UAE's space program has been expanding since the launch of the first satellite, Thuraya-1, in 2000, with numerous domestically developed satellites contributing to various sectors, including communications and Earth observation.

In May 2025, the UAE announced the International Space Co-operation Programme, offering researchers, students, and startups access to satellite images for their projects through a digital platform in collaboration with Space42 and other space agencies.