The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), United Arab Emirates (UAE), has selected American launch provider SpaceX to launch its next Earth Observation satellite. The spacecraft known as MBZ-SAT is planned as a follow-on to the KhalifaSat unit as a second satellite built entirely in its own industry. As per the contract the 700 kg MBZ-SAT is set to be launched as part of a rideshare launch in the second half of 2023.
A value was not released for the contract however, MBRSC stated the Falcon 9’s “reliability” and “very competitive cost” as reasons behind its choice.
