Dubai: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has successfully launched its second nanosatellite, DEWA SAT-2, aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, USA.
The launch of DEWA SAT-2 underlines DEWA’s leadership in using space technologies to improve the operations, maintenance, and planning of electricity and water networks. The nanosatellite was designed and developed by Emiratis at DEWA’s Research and Development Centre in collaboration with NanoAvionics in Lithuania.
According to Mr. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, DEWA is keen to use the latest technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and blockchain, in exchanging information through satellite communications and earth observation technologies.
DEWA’s Space-D programme, which was launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in January 2021, aims to improve the operations, maintenance and planning of DEWA’s networks through nanosatellites and remote sensing technologies. The program also seeks to train Emiratis specialised in the use of space technologies in electricity and water networks. Launching DEWA SAT-2, our second nanosatellite confirms that we are moving steadily towards leadership in utilising space technologies to enhance the efficiency of DEWA’s operations.
Mr. Al Tayer commented.
Mr. Al Tayer pointed out that DEWA aims to use nanosatellite technology to support its cloud computing network in order to boost the digitalization of energy and water networks. The objective is to raise the efficiency and effectiveness of planning, operation, and preventive maintenance in the production, transmission, and distribution divisions, as well as smart grids, power stations, and EV charging stations.
DEWA SAT-2, a 6U nanosatellite, further features a high-resolution camera (4.7 metres) that will be used for Earth observation missions. The high-resolution camera provides continuous line-scan imaging in seven spectral bands from an approximately 500-kilometre orbit. The new satellite is also equipped with infrared equipment to measure greenhouse gases.
Mr. Waleed bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence at DEWA, remarked that the high imaging accuracy of DEWA SAT-2 will enable DEWA to improve the operational performance of power generation and water desalination plants. Multi-spectrum, high-resolution thermal imaging devices, such as those used on board spacecraft and specifically designed for use in electricity and water networks, will be deployed to detect thermal fingerprints in high-voltage transmission lines, substations, buildings, and solar power stations.