DEWA successfully launches its second nanosatellite, DEWASAT-2
In a new achievement that confirms its leadership in the use of space technologies to improve the operations, maintenance and planning of electricity and water networks. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has successfully launched its second nanosatellite, DEWASAT-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 R&D Centre, in collaboration with NanoAvionics in Lithuania.
The 2U DUISAT-6 nanosatellite features a 4.7-meter high-resolution camera that will be used for Earth observation missions. The high-contrast camera provides continuous imaging in 7 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.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said DEWA is keen to benefit from 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 network operations, maintenance and planning based on nanosatellites and remote sensing technologies, in addition to qualifying Emirati cadres specialized in the use of space technologies in electricity and water networks.
The launch of the second nanosatellite, DEWASAT-2, confirms that we are moving steadily towards leadership in the field of benefiting from space technologies to increase the efficiency of DEWA's operations and provide electricity and water services according to the highest standards of availability, reliability, efficiency and quality, in addition to transferring knowledge and expertise and training national cadres in DEWA."
HE Saeed Al Tayer pointed out that DEWA aims to ensure that nanosatellite technology supports DEWA's cloud computing network, to enhance the digitization of energy and water networks, raise the efficiency and effectiveness of planning, operation and preventive maintenance of the production, transmission and distribution, smart grids and electric vehicle charging stations, in addition to reducing costs and improving the investment of DEWA's assets, as well as developing use cases that contribute to the advancement of the utilities sector around the world.
Waleed bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence at DEWA, explained that the high resolution imaging of the DEWASAT-2 satellite will enable DEWA to improve the operational performance of power and water desalination plants, as high-resolution multi-spectrum thermal imagers such as those used on board spacecraft, designed specifically for the use of electricity and water networks, will be used to detect thermal fingerprints in high-voltage transmission lines, substations, buildings and power stations Solar.
Through the combined use of DEWASAT-2 images and DEWA-1 IoT measurements, DEWA will be able to improve the operational performance of power and desalination plants by providing accurate estimates of seawater temperature and salinity, detecting red tides, and predicting and monitoring fog formation.
DEWA launched DEWA-1 in January 2022, becoming the first utility in the world to use nanosatellites to improve the operations, maintenance and planning of electricity and water networks. The nanosatellite was designed and developed at DEWA's R&D Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.