UAE’s state-owned utility service provider Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has selected US-based satellite manufacturer and mission integrator company NanoAvionics to design, build, test, and manage the launching of two nanosatellites 3U and 6U.
According to the statement, this is part of DEWA’s space-D program, which aims to improve operational efficiency and reliability, as well as promote preventive maintenance for electricity and water network planning, generation, transmission, and distribution.
Through this program, DEWA will lead the industry in improving the operations, maintenance, and planning of its networks with the support of nanosatellite technology. Using IoT and remote sensing technologies, Space-D supports DEWA’s grid digitalization program.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer MD & CEO DEWA
“DEWA’s space program will contribute to enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness and strategic partnerships in the national space sector as well as paving the way for a new phase of Emirati capabilities in space exploration, technology, and related industries that will be used to strengthen electricity and water networks in Dubai. The program will enhance the performance and efficiency of the photovoltaic solar panels at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world. The project also supports the National Space Strategy 2030, which aims to realize the leadership’s vision by using space sciences, technologies, applications, and related services to enhance development.”
In line with its digital transformation, DEWA will use a 3U satellite with an Internet of Things (IoT) payload as well as a 6U satellite with an Earth Observation (EO) payload from Nanoavionics.
“The knowledge transfer, in addition to satellite integration and mission operations for DEWA, also shows the capabilities and value that our expert team can bring to our customers. Our team has been part of more than 90 missions, including four successfully launched missions this year, and has previous experience in sharing its skills and knowledge through programs with other international customers,” said Mr. Vytenis J Buzas, co-founder and CEO of NanoAvionics.
Further, DEWA’s Space-D project includes the launch of a satellite constellation to support its primary satellite. These will be manufactured by Emiratis at the Research and Development (R&D) Centre of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
