Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) successfully launched DEWA SAT-2, its second nanosatellite.
The launch, previously scheduled on April 11 but postponed due to unfavourable conditions, was sent into space aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
DEWA nanosatellite launched
DEWA SAT-2, a 6U nanosatellite, has been designed and developed by Emiratis at DEWA’s Research and Development Centre, in collaboration with NanoAvionics in Lithuania.
DEWA became the first utility in the world to use nanosatellites to improve its operations when it launched DEWA SAT-1 in January 2022.
The nanosatellite features a high-resolution camera of 4.7 metres that will be used for observation missions. The camera provides continuous line-scan imaging in seven spectral bands from about 500km above the earth. It is also equipped with infrared equipment to measure greenhouse gases.
DEWA SAT-2 will help raise the efficiency and effectiveness of planning, operation and preventive maintenance of the production, transmission and distribution divisions, as well as smart grids, power stations, and EV charging stations. It is also expected to reduce costs and improve the investment of DEWA’s assets.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, commented: “DEWA’s Space-D programme aims to improve the operations, maintenance, and planning of DEWA’s networks through nanosatellites and remote sensing technologies. The programme also seeks to train Emiratis specialised in the use of space technologies in electricity and water networks,” added Al Tayer.
“Launching DEWA SAT-2 confirms that we are moving steadily towards leadership in utilising space technologies to enhance the efficiency of DEWA’s operations and providing electricity and water services according to the highest standards of availability, reliability, efficiency and quality.”
Waleed bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence, explained that the high imaging accuracy 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 the spacecraft are specifically designed to detect thermal fingerprints in high-voltage transmission lines, substations, buildings and solar power stations.
The combined use of DEWA SAT-2 images and IoT measurements from DEWA SAT-1 will also enable DEWA provide accurate estimates of seawater temperature, seawater salinity, detection of red-tide, as well as fog monitoring and forecasting.
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