#EnvironmentalMonitoring

Arab Satellite 813: Final Design Review by NSSTC at UAE University

The National Space Science and Technology Centre (NSSTC) at UAE University has completed the final design review for Arab Satellite 813.
This satellite will provide hyperspectral observations in the Visible/Near Infrared (VNIR) and Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) regions.
Funded by the UAE Space Agency (UAESA), the project aims to enhance collaboration among Arab Space Cooperation Group (ASCG) countries.
The design review sessions evaluated the satellite’s design, sensors, and ground support systems.
The next phase is Assembly Integration and Test (AI&T) at NSSTC.
The satellite is named 813 to commemorate the House of Wisdom in Baghdad under Al-Ma’mun.
Emphasis on local manufacturing aims to boost regional expertise in satellite technology.

Summary

NSSTC at UAE University completed the design review for Arab Satellite 813.
The satellite will provide hyperspectral observations in the VNIR and SWIR regions.
The project is funded by UAESA and executed by UAE University.
The design review sessions evaluated the satellite’s design, sensors, and ground support systems.
The next phase is AI&T at NSSTC.
The satellite is named 813 to honor the House of Wisdom.
Emphasis on local manufacturing to enhance regional expertise.
Arab Satellite 813 will monitor Earth’s environment and climate.
It focuses on the UAE and ASCG member countries.
The satellite features advanced sensors and ground support systems.

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Arab Satellite 813: Final Design Review by NSSTC at UAE University

The National Space Science and Technology Centre (NSSTC) at UAE University recently held a series of sessions to finalize the design of the Arab Satellite 813. This advanced earth observation satellite, funded by the UAE Space Agency (UAESA) and executed by UAE University, is a significant project aimed at enhancing collaboration among Arab Space Cooperation Group (ASCG) countries in space science and technology.

During the review sessions, experts conducted a thorough evaluation of the satellite’s design, its payload of various sensors, and the design of the ground support systems. These evaluations are crucial to ensuring the satellite meets all operational requirements and can successfully perform its intended mission.

Arab Satellite 813 is equipped to provide hyperspectral observations in the Visible/Near Infrared (VNIR) and Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. These observations are vital for monitoring Earth’s environment and climate, focusing on the UAE and other member countries of the ASCG.

Following the successful completion of the design phase, the engineering teams are set to advance to the Assembly Integration and Test (AI&T) phase at the NSSTC. Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, highlighted the importance of this phase in ensuring the satellite’s components work seamlessly together.

The satellite is named 813 to commemorate the inception of the House of Wisdom in Baghdad under Al-Ma’mun’s reign. This institution was known for its significant contributions to science and scholarship, symbolizing the satellite’s role in advancing scientific knowledge and collaboration among Arab nations.

Key Features

Arab Satellite 813 is distinguished by its weight, size, and efficiency compared to other hyperspectral satellites. The design and selection process emphasized local manufacturing capabilities, aiming to enhance domestic and regional expertise in satellite design, production, assembly, testing, and data analysis.

Table 1: Key Specifications of Arab Satellite 813

Feature	Specification
Weight	150 kg
Size	1.5 x 1 x 1 m
Spectral Range	VNIR and SWIR
Payload	Hyperspectral Optical Instrument

Collaborative Efforts

This mission will help ASCG member countries work together. The satellite will give important data for tracking the environment and climate. Working on this project together shows how regional partnerships are key to growing space science and technology.

Quotes from Officials

Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, stated:

“The successful completion of the design review marks a significant milestone in our mission to enhance regional cooperation in space science and technology. Arab Satellite 813 will provide invaluable data to monitor and understand our environment and climate.”

The design review sessions also included a comprehensive evaluation of the ground support systems. These systems are essential for the satellite’s operation, ensuring that it can communicate effectively with ground stations and that the data collected can be processed and analyzed accurately.

The development of Arab Satellite 813 is a significant step forward for the UAE and the ASCG. By focusing on local manufacturing and regional collaboration, the project aims to build a robust foundation for future space missions, leveraging advanced technology and expertise to address environmental and climate challenges.

Table 2: Milestones in Arab Satellite 813 Development

Milestone	Date
Project Initiation	January 2020
Design Review Completion	July 2024
Assembly Integration and Test	August 2024
Launch	Scheduled 2025

Conclusion

The final design review of Arab Satellite 813 marks a pivotal moment in the project’s development. With its advanced hyperspectral capabilities, the satellite is set to provide critical data for environmental and climate monitoring, fostering regional collaboration and enhancing local expertise in satellite technology.

Hashtags

#ArabSatellite813, #NSSTC, #UAEUniversity, #UAESpaceAgency, #ASCG, #HyperspectralObservations, #EnvironmentalMonitoring, #ClimateMonitoring, #SatelliteTechnology, #SpaceScience, #RegionalCollaboration

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SpaceX to Launch NOAA’s Advanced Climate Satellite with $113 Million Contract

SpaceX has been awarded a $112.7 million contract to launch NOAA’s JPSS-4 satellite. The JPSS-4 is part of the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) program, a cooperative effort between NOAA and NASA. The satellite will be launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in 2027. The JPSS program aims to collect critical data on Earth’s land, sea, and air to support weather prediction, climate monitoring, and disaster response. Three JPSS satellites have already been launched and remain operational, contributing to decades of Earth science research. The Falcon 9 has experienced a recent failure, but SpaceX continues to be a key player in space missions. The JPSS fleet will eventually consist of five satellites, with JPSS-3 scheduled to launch in 2032.

Summary

SpaceX wins $112.7 million contract for JPSS-4 launch.
JPSS-4 is part of NOAA and NASA’s Joint Polar Satellite System.
Launch scheduled for 2027 from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
JPSS satellites collect vital Earth data for weather, climate, and disaster monitoring.
Three operational JPSS satellites: Suomi NPP, JPSS-1, and JPSS-2.
Falcon 9 has launched 69 times in 2024 but recently suffered a failure.
JPSS-3 scheduled for 2032, completing the five-satellite fleet.
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 grounded temporarily due to recent mission failure.
JPSS program enhances Earth science research and benefits humanity.

SpaceX to Launch NOAA’s Advanced Climate Satellite with $113 Million Contract

SpaceX, the private spaceflight company founded by Elon Musk, continues to expand its portfolio of significant space missions. In 2027, the company will launch the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) JPSS-4 satellite from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base. This mission, secured with a firm, fixed-price contract worth $112.7 million, marks another milestone in SpaceX’s busy launch schedule.

Overview of the JPSS Program

The Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) is a collaborative effort between NOAA and NASA. This constellation of satellites plays a crucial role in collecting comprehensive data on Earth’s land, sea, and air. Such data are pivotal for continuous observation of Earth’s environment, aiding in understanding and predicting changes in weather, climate, oceans, and coasts. This information supports the nation’s economy, protects lives and property, and advances Earth science research.

NASA officials stated, “These data support NOAA’s mission for continuous observation of Earth’s environment to understand and predict changes in weather, climate, oceans, and coasts to support the nation’s economy and protect lives and property. NASA uses the instruments aboard the JPSS satellites to continue decades of Earth science research for the betterment of humanity.

JPSS Satellites: A Legacy of Environmental Monitoring

Three JPSS satellites have been launched to date, and all remain operational, providing invaluable data for environmental monitoring:

Suomi NPP: Launched in October 2011 atop a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket.
JPSS-1 (NOAA-20): Launched in November 2017 and renamed NOAA-20 upon reaching its final orbit, also via a Delta II rocket.
JPSS-2 (NOAA-21): Launched in November 2022 atop an Atlas V rocket.

These satellites have established a robust legacy of environmental monitoring, and the JPSS fleet will eventually comprise five satellites. The next in line, JPSS-3, is scheduled for launch in 2032.

Importance of the JPSS-4 Mission

The JPSS-4 satellite is expected to further enhance NOAA’s capability to monitor and predict environmental changes. By providing detailed observations of atmospheric, oceanic, and terrestrial conditions, JPSS-4 will contribute to more accurate weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster response efforts. This information is vital for various sectors, including agriculture, aviation, and emergency management.

SpaceX’s Role and the Falcon 9 Rocket

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket will be the launch vehicle for the JPSS-4 mission. Known for its reliability and reusability, the Falcon 9 has become a cornerstone of SpaceX’s operations. In 2024 alone, the Falcon 9 has launched 69 times, showcasing its capability to handle a high volume of missions.

However, the rocket recently experienced a setback. On July 11, 2024, the Falcon 9’s upper stage developed a leak of liquid oxygen during a mission, preventing it from completing an orbit-raising engine burn as planned. As a result, the rocket deployed its payloads—20 Starlink internet satellites—too low, leading to their presumed demise in Earth’s atmosphere. Despite this incident, SpaceX’s track record remains strong, and the company is expected to resolve the issue promptly.

Financial and Technical Aspects

The $112.7 million contract awarded to SpaceX includes not only the launch services but also other mission-related costs. This investment underscores the importance of the JPSS-4 mission and highlights SpaceX’s capability to deliver complex and critical space missions.

The JPSS program builds on decades of Earth science research. The data collected by these satellites help scientists understand long-term climate trends and provide critical information for disaster preparedness and response. With the addition of JPSS-4 and the eventual launch of JPSS-3 in 2032, the JPSS fleet will continue to be a cornerstone of environmental monitoring and research.

Impact on Earth Science and Humanity

The JPSS satellites, including the upcoming JPSS-4, are equipped with advanced instruments that provide detailed observations of various environmental parameters. These observations are crucial for numerous applications:

Weather Prediction: Accurate weather forecasts are essential for agriculture, transportation, and emergency management. The data from JPSS satellites help meteorologists make precise predictions, improving public safety and economic stability.
Climate Monitoring: Long-term climate data are vital for understanding global warming and its impacts. JPSS satellites contribute to climate models, aiding scientists in predicting future climate scenarios.
Disaster Response: Real-time data from JPSS satellites support disaster response efforts by providing critical information on storms, wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters. This information helps authorities make informed decisions, potentially saving lives and reducing property damage.

Technical Specifications of JPSS-4

Parameter	Specification
Launch Vehicle	Falcon 9
Launch Site	Vandenberg Space Force Base
Satellite Operator	NOAA
Mission Type	Earth Observation
Instrumentation	Advanced Environmental Sensors
Primary Objective	Weather and Climate Monitoring
Contract Value	$112.7 million

SpaceX’s Broader Mission Portfolio

SpaceX is important in the commercial space sector. The company is busy with many launches. These include missions with astronauts and commercial satellite deployments. They also do interplanetary exploration missions. The Falcon 9 rocket has a part called the reusable first stage. This part of the rocket can be used again. This feature has changed space travel by making launches cheaper and more frequent.

Despite the recent setback with the Falcon 9, SpaceX’s innovative approach to spaceflight ensures that such challenges are addressed swiftly. The company’s commitment to continuous improvement and its track record of successful missions position it as a leader in the aerospace industry.

The JPSS program is set to continue its mission of providing critical environmental data well into the future. With JPSS-3 and JPSS-4 scheduled for launch, the program will enhance its observational capabilities, contributing to a better understanding of Earth’s complex environmental systems.

Conclusion

The partnership between SpaceX, NOAA, and NASA shows the teamwork needed for advancing space exploration and Earth science. The launch of the JPSS-4 satellite in 2027 will help NOAA improve its environmental monitoring. It will also strengthen SpaceX’s reputation as a dependable and innovative launch provider. The JPSS program will keep evolving and help tackle environmental challenges.

By using advanced technology and working together, missions like JPSS-4 help us understand our planet better. This understanding will benefit humanity.

Hashtags

#SpaceX, #NOAA, #JPSS4, #ClimateMonitoring, #EarthScience, #WeatherPrediction, #SatelliteLaunch, #Falcon9, #NASA, #EnvironmentalMonitoring

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