The National Space Science and Technology Centre at the UAE University has announced the “SEO” satellite project, as the mission reaches advanced stages of development. The move forms part of the centre’s ongoing efforts to deliver national space projects in cooperation with the UAE Space Agency.
Building national capability through international cooperation
The mission is helping to strengthen national capacity in the space sector through scientific and technical collaboration with international partners from the People’s Republic of China. It is also contributing to the development of Emirati talent and the expansion of national expertise in space science and engineering, while supporting sustainable development goals through the use of space technologies in service of development and innovation.
The “SEO” project represents a practical model of how the National Space Science and Technology Centre is investing in building national capabilities and reinforcing the UAE’s position in the development of advanced space technologies.
Training Emirati engineers, researchers and students
Through this mission, the centre continues its efforts to qualify Emirati talent by involving engineers, researchers and students in the various stages of satellite development and operation, within an integrated environment that includes ground control, assembly, integration and space testing facilities.
The project is helping provide national staff with advanced practical experience, supporting the preparation of a specialised generation capable of contributing to the growth of the national space sector and strengthening a system built on knowledge and innovation.
Space technology in support of sustainability
The “SEO” mission aims to develop advanced space technologies and represents an ambitious step towards using space technology in the service of sustainability and future development, by providing data and information that support environmental protection, natural resource management, and more efficient planning and decision-making.
The mission also highlights the importance of using modern space technologies to support efforts linked to sustainability and future development goals, in order to achieve a long-term positive impact on society and the environment.
Official remarks
The Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, Engineer Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, said the “SEO” mission comes as part of the UAE’s strategy to expand national space projects, develop space infrastructure, and strengthen international partnerships, contributing to consolidating the country’s standing in the global space sector.
He said the mission reflects the UAE’s commitment to developing advanced space technologies, alongside preparing a new generation of Emirati researchers and engineers capable of leading the future of the space sector and supporting the journey of innovation and sustainable development.
Dr Nabil Mohammed Al Bastaki, Director of the National Space Science and Technology Centre at the UAE University, said the “SEO” mission represents a further step in the centre’s journey towards developing national space projects that contribute to sustainability and capacity-building, noting that the project reflects the centre’s confidence in young Emirati talent and its ability to lead the future of the space sector.