The UAE‘s space research and applications sector is currently the most advanced in the Middle East. Satellite-based land imaging and related services for the region alone are expected to become a $5.2bn business by 2013. The country recently launched its second satellite, the government-funded Yahsat 1a, at a cost of $1.4bn. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi-based Aabar Investments is investing $280m on the 2030 launch of Virgin Galactic’s $7.5bn spaceport. Moreover, the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology has announced plans to unveil DubaiSat-2, a new remote sensing satellite. Read More
