A new age in space industry begins, as UAE launches its first local made satellite to space, from Japan’s ground station, Tanegashima Space Center, on Monday, October 29, 2018.

A true historical moment for the #UAE: The launch of #KhalifaSAT into Low Earth Orbit on board the H-IIA rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center. pic.twitter.com/IcLtb290p5

— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) October 29, 2018

Khalifa Sat is the first satellite to be manufactured solely by Emirati hands. After 4 years of construction, preparation and training at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), the Emirati design has 5 patents.

The team of #KhalifaSAT has not only developed #UAE’s most advanced earth observation satellite but laid a framework for next generations of Emirati engineers! pic.twitter.com/vohQtvvYUt

— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) October 28, 2018

MBRSC's two other satellites in orbit, DubaiSat-1 and DubaiSat-2, were built in partnership with South Korean Satrec Initiative. With the knowledge gained through this co-operation, MBRSC engineers designed and developed the KhalifaSat, without assistance.

Fatherly moments displayed by H.E. Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman of Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre with Abdulla Harmoul, KhalifaSat Launch Manager after the successful launch of #KhalifaSAT pic.twitter.com/Sx5hzS83Uc

— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) October 29, 2018

Khalifa Sat was carried by Japanese H-IIA rocket, and will send back images of high quality and clarity, allowing the UAE to provide services in the competitive world of satellite imagery.

These images will help with disaster relief management, ship detection, cartography & topography, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.

The MBRSC is a Dubai government based space center, and part of the UAE National Space programme.

Read also: First Emirati astronaut in space.