DMSAT1, an environment-monitoring satellite will be launched in 2019 by Dubai Municipality. The manufacturing of the satellite commenced in July 2017 after an agreement between The Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre and the municipality to design and build the region's first environment-monitoring nanosatellite in December 2016.

Aliah Abdul Rahim Al Harmoudi, director of the Environment Department at the municipality has said that it represents an important step towards monitoring the air pollutants and greenhouse gases causing the phenomenon. It will also monitor aerosols in the atmosphere, thus helping health and safety of the community.

The environmental satellite will orbit the earth 14 times every day and cover large areas of land and sea, and observes every site within five days. The satellite has the ability to provide space data for the monitoring process. It will have two computers, one for ground communication and data storage and the other for sensors and actuators responsible for accurate guidance of the satellite during the monitoring operation. The satellite will be powered by solar panels.

The satellite will also help to study environmental phenomena like the growth of moss and red tide. Satellite data provided by DMSAT 1 will also help understand the sources of emissions of air pollutants and their extent. DMSAT1 will also conduct aerial correction of the earth parameters observed with remote sensing technology.

Courtesy: Gulf News