Dubai Electricity launches DEWASAT-2 satellite to develop operations

DEWASAT-2 was designed and developed by Emirati hands. From the source

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has successfully launched its second nanosatellite, DUISAT-2, aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, USA. The nanosatellite was designed and developed by Emirati hands at DEWA's Research and Development Centre in collaboration with NanoAvionics in Lithuania, in a new achievement that confirms its leadership in using space technologies to improve the operations, maintenance and planning of electricity and water networks.

The 2U DiwaSat-6 nanosatellite features a high-resolution camera (4.7 meters) that will be used for Earth observation missions. The high-contrast camera provides continuous imaging in seven spectral bands of an estimated orbital altitude of approximately 500 km. The new satellite also includes special instruments for measuring the volume of greenhouse gases using infrared radiation.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said: "DEWA is keen to take advantage of the latest technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and blockchain, in exchanging information via satellite communications and Earth observation technologies."

"DEWA's SpaceD programme, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in January 2021, aims to improve DEWA's operations, maintenance and planning of networks based on nanosatellites and remote sensing technologies, in addition to qualifying an Emirati cadre specialized in the use of space technologies in electricity and water networks," he added.

Al Tayer pointed out that DEWA aims to ensure that nanosatellite technology supports DEWA's cloud computing network, to promote digitization of power and water networks and raise the efficiency and effectiveness of planning, operation and preventive maintenance of the production, transmission and distribution sectors, smart grids and electric vehicle charging stations.