King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has successfully launched a small-sized Cubesat satellite, in cooperation with the cloud space data analysis company, Spire Global. This was during the SpaceX Transporter-7 space shuttle mission, which was launched from Vandenberg Space Station in the United States.
The satellite, dubbed "6U", aims to collect high-quality, high-resolution data for terrestrial, coastal and oceanic environmental systems around the world to help the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia monitor and characterize its unique natural resources, which includes an advanced camera with hyperspectral imaging technology, as well as an advanced processing unit. , and a Spire Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) sensor.
These technologies will contribute to the collection of detailed data on the Earth's surface, such as the state of vegetation, soil and water. Although the primary mission of the satellite is to photograph and collect data for the Arabian Peninsula and the surrounding area, it also has the ability to collect information and images from anywhere on Earth.
Professor Matthew McCabe, Professor of Remote Sensing and Water Security, and Director of the Climate and Livability Initiative at KAUST, explained that KAUST's launch of this satellite reflects the growing interest in the space sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, noting that the Saudi Space Authority has ambitious plans to develop the space economy. local in the future; The need calls for developing innovation and technology, training the next generation of scientists and engineers, and facilitating space exploration research in the Kingdom.
He pointed out that the university launched advanced technology on this satellite platform, which will enable it to collect high-resolution images of the Earth's surface, and analyze them at the same time, even before sending them to Earth.
And he indicated that the ability of this satellite is not limited to improving Earth observation operations and research only, but rather it will produce data that can help achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, especially those related to environmental protection and restoration. For example, the hyperspectral imaging system on the Moon can be used to characterize terrestrial and marine systems, allowing assessment of the condition of grasslands, soils, mangroves and other plant communities, as well as providing data that can be used to understand, improve management and monitor the health of the region's unique ecosystems.
McCabe emphasized that the information provided by this satellite is shared knowledge and a shared societal resource, especially that developing a community of scientists and collaborators who can access this data will bring unique global perspectives, and provide insights and solutions to the local and regional issues we are trying to address.
Okaz (Jeddah)
