DubaiSat-1 images used to monitor Dubai Airport Concourse 3 construction progress

The UAE's first satellite has been mapping the progress of the project from its early stages and will continue to track it until its expected completion early this year.

Launched by the EIAST in July 2009, DubaiSat-1 has been transmitting images of immense value in a number of areas, by providing critical information essential to decision-making on urban and rural planning, transport, utilities, mapping, and environmental conservation. Its high spatial resolution complements existing Geographic Information System (GIS) databases and enables more efficient monitoring and prediction of natural hazards such as sandstorms and fog.

"DubaiSat-1 plays a vital role in the infrastructure development process in the UAE. The analysis of the Concourse 3 project highlights EIAST's capabilities to monitor key developments and provide useful information towards project planning and environment protection," said Salem Al Marri, Head of Marketing and International Affairs at EIAST.

The Concourse 3 is part of the first project for the second phase of the Dubai International Airport expansion and is the world's first dedicated facility for the A380 super jumbo jet. The project also includes hotel and retail space.

DubaiSat-1 is a joint project between the UAE and the Satrec Initiative of South Korea, and was developed with a focus on knowledge transfer to the UAE team that participated in building the satellite. EIAST is currently working on the final stages of DubaiSat-2, another joint programme with the Satrec Initiative. Sixteen UAE engineers, currently stationed in South Korea, have been working on the design, development, testing and manufacturing of the satellite which will take EIAST to the next level in space research.