A landmark achievement in international space cooperation was realized on Wednesday as the Arab Satellite 813 successfully reached orbit aboard China’s Kinetica 1 rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. This joint project between the United Arab Emirates and China represents the first pan-Arab space collaboration initiative, with leadership from the UAE’s National Space Science and Technology Center.
The sophisticated Earth observation satellite, equipped with advanced hyperspectral and panchromatic imagers plus an atmospheric polarimeter, will deliver critical data for environmental monitoring, climate research, and detailed mapping applications. The project name commemorates the year 813 CE, marking the establishment of Baghdad’s House of Wisdom during Islam’s Golden Age of scientific advancement.
This collaboration stems from a 2023 agreement between the Shanghai Engineering Center for Microsatellites and UAE space authorities. More than 40 engineers from across Arab nations contributed to the satellite’s development, providing hands-on experience for UAE University students and researchers in space system design and testing.
The Shanghai Engineering Center for Microsatellites described the mission as establishing “a solid foundation for further strategic collaboration” between the two nations in space technology. This successful launch demonstrates growing technological partnership between China and Middle Eastern nations while advancing Arab capabilities in space science and satellite technology.