Subscribe with SteadyDSAR-TD (Etihad-Sat)
DSAR-TD (Etihad-Sat) []
DSAR-TD (Etihad-SAT) is a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Earth-observation satellite developed by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), UAE, in cooperation with Satrec Initiative, South Korea). It is the UAEs first SAR satellite and was launched in March 2025.
The mission aims to provide high-resolution, all-weather, day-and-night radar imagery for civil, environmental, and maritime applications. Its data supports disaster management, oil-spill detection, maritime navigation, agricultural planning, and environmental monitoring. The spacecraft expands the UAEs remote-sensing capabilities by complementing existing optical satellites with radar-based imaging.
DSAR-TD was developed under a bilateral technology-exchange program with Satrec Initiative. MBRSC engineers defined performance requirements, conducted preliminary design reviews, and performed environmental testing. Final design and manufacturing were implemented jointly by MBRSC and Satrec Initiative teams. The satellite incorporates advanced onboard processing systems that employ AI-based image-analysis algorithms.
The spacecraft uses a high-performance SAR payload featuring a waveguide antenna capable of precise electronic beam steering. It provides 25-cm-class resolution and supports three imaging modes: Spot mode for small-area, high-resolution observations; Scan mode for wide-area coverage; and Strip mode for extended continuous imaging. The radar operates independently of illumination and cloud cover, enabling consistent data acquisition.
Additional onboard systems include autonomous tasking and rapid data-downlink interfaces designed to shorten delivery timelines to end users. The platform architecture follows contemporary small-satellite SAR designs with optimized power, thermal, and attitude-control subsystems required for stable radar operation.
DSAR-TD was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon-9 v1.2 (Block 5) rocket during the Transporter-13 rideshare mission in March 2025. After separation, the satellite completed initial commissioning and entered routine operations, supplying SAR imagery for national and international users.
| Nation: | UAE |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Earth Observation (Radar) |
| Operator: | Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) |
| Contractors: | Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), Satrec Initiative |
| Equipment: | |
| Configuration: | MP42 bus |
| Propulsion: | |
| Power: | Solar cells, batteries |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | |
| Orbit: |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSAR-TD (Etihad-Sat) | 2025-052S | 15.03.2025 | Va SLC-4E | Falcon-9 v1.2 (Block 5) | with SpaceEye-T, Clarity 1, W-Series 3, FireSat 0, Arvaker 1, DROID.002, DSAR-TD, M-SEL, Sphinx, ICEYE X46, X48, X50, X51, LizzieSat 3, YAM 8, ION-SCV 017, HERMES-SP 1, ..., 6, HADES ICM, Hydra W, Unicorn 2O, 2P, 2Q, Startical IOD-1, Pandore, SOAP, OrCa 2b, AeroCube 18A, 18B, Buccaneer MM, Deloitte 1, EZIE A, B, C, Lemur-2 204, ..., 209, OTP 2, RED5, Tomorrow S5, S6, UVSQ-SAT-NG, Al Munther, Botsat 1, HYVRID, NILA, JinjuSat 1B, NUSHSat 1, Tevel 2-1, ..., 2-9, RAPSat 1A, 1B, 1C |
Launch Sites:
- Va = Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA
