UAE set to launch Falcon Eye satellite into orbit

Space Exploration

Priya Wadhwa
Space Exploration
Published:

UAE set to launch Falcon Eye satellite into orbit

In just 4 days from French Guiana Space Centre.

Becoming the fourth reconnaissance satellite by the UAE, Falcon Eye 1 will launch into orbit on July 6 from French Guiana Space Centre.

The satellite features a high-resolution imager with a ground resolution of 70 cm across a 20 km swath.

With just 5 days to go, Falcon Eye 1 will become the 10th UAE satellite in the orbit. UAE plans to launch at least two more to achieve its plans to have 12 satellites in orbit by 2020.

The satellite was built by Airbus Defence and Space as well as Thales Alenia. Weighing less than 1,500kg, it will be launched via a Vega rocket by Arianespace.

In September this year UAE also plans to send its first astronaut to the International Space Centre.

It is exciting to see UAE be on point with its space plans, which are one of the more ambitious ones in the world, on par with if not beyond those of Elon Musk’s SpaceX.