DUBAI: The UAE has launched the “Falcon Eye” satellite into space to mark its 49th National Day, state news agency WAM has reported.
The Soyuz ST-A rocket took off from the French Guiana Space Centre on Wednesday carrying the Gulf country’s earth-observation satellite that could take high-resolution images.
It is the fourth reconnaissance satellite launched by the UAE, bringing the total number to 12 satellites into orbit.
The satellite will be used for mapping, agricultural and environmental monitoring, urban planning, helping with response planning for natural disasters, as well as monitoring the UAE’s borders and coasts.
“This national achievement is worthy of pride not only given the civil and military importance of Falcon's Eye, but also because it has unique characteristics, including a mobile platform for receiving and sending photos from any location in the world that will be used for various purposes,” Matar Salem Ali Al-Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense, said.
It will remain in low Earth orbit for 10 years to take high quality imagery.
Al-Dhaheri said the move has “reinforced the UAE’s accumulated experience in the satellite sector.”
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UAE launches satellite to celebrate National Day
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UAE launches satellite to celebrate National Day
- It is the fourth reconnaissance satellite launched by the UAE
- The satellite will be used for mapping, agricultural and environmental monitoring, urban planning and others
US kills Al-Qaeda affiliate leader tied to December attack in Syria, Centcom says
- Bilal Hasan Al-Jasim had “direct ties” to a Daesh gunman who killed and injured US and Syrian personnel
WASHINGTON: US military forces on Friday killed an Al-Qaeda affiliate leader linked to a Daesh attack on Americans in Syria last month, US Central Command said in a statement on Saturday.
Bilal Hasan Al-Jasim had “direct ties” to a Daesh gunman who killed and injured US and Syrian personnel on December 13 in Palmyra, Syria, Central Command said.
“The death of a terrorist operative linked to the deaths of three Americans demonstrates our resolve in pursuing terrorists who attack our forces,” said Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of US Central Command, in a statement.
Since the December 13 attack, US forces have been conducting strikes in Syria, with the US military saying it has hit more than 100 Daesh targets.
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