A university in Saudi Arabia has launched a miniature satellite to space to help researchers monitor natural resources in the kingdom and around the world.
The Earth observation nanosatellite, built by the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, will collect high-resolution data across global terrestrial, coastal and ocean ecosystems.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried the 6-unit CubeSat — an advanced modular satellite — to orbit from a California spaceport on Saturday.
A Dewa nanosatellite, built by Dubai's utility authority, was launched on the same ride-share mission.
“We're launching state-of-the-art technology on this satellite platform,” said Matthew McCabe, professor of remote sensing and water security at the university.
“It's shared knowledge, and a shared community resource. Developing a community of scientists and collaborators who can access this data will bring global perspectives to local and regional questions that we’re trying to address.”
The satellite has a hyperspectral imager, or scientific camera, that integrates with the on-board processing sensor, helping it to analyse data before it is beamed back to Earth.
Researchers will also use the satellite to get data that can help with the kingdom's Vision 2030 goals, such as protecting and restoring the environment.
The hyperspectral imager, for example, can be used to characterise terrestrial and marine systems.
This will allow scientists to assess conditions of rangelands, soils, mangroves and other plant communities.
“This is the type of mission that we want to be able to see into the future — building innovation and technology in the kingdom, training the next generation of scientists and engineers, and facilitating further space exploration from Saudi Arabia,” Prof McCabe said.
The kingdom has a renewed interest in space exploration and has launched a long-term programme that includes satellite development, human space flight missions and deep-space missions in the future.
On May 8, two Saudi astronauts, Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali Al Qarni, will travel to the International Space Station for a 10-day stay.
The trip comes nearly 40 years after Saudi Arabia sent its first citizen to space. Prince Sultan bin Salman spent a week on Nasa's Space Shuttle in 1985.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Tips on buying property during a pandemic
Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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LUKA CHUPPI
Director: Laxman Utekar
Producer: Maddock Films, Jio Cinema
Cast: Kartik Aaryan, Kriti Sanon, Pankaj Tripathi, Vinay Pathak, Aparshakti Khurana
Rating: 3/5
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
