DUBAI: The UAE is preparing to launch its Falcon Eye 2 satellite after the country lost its Falcon Eye 1 satellite in space earlier today, after the launcher carrying it into orbit experienced a failure.

Emirates news agency, Wam, reported that preparations are underway to prepare for the launch of the Falcon Eye 2 satellite, which is part of the overall Falcon Eye satellite system.

The UAE Space Agency was using the launch services of a company called Arianespace and their European rocket, Vega. However, two minutes after blast off, the rocket went off trajectory and the satellite was lost in space.

The CEO of Arianespace, Stephane Israel, tweeted: “A launcher anomaly occurred during Flight #VV15 shortly after ignition of the Zefiro 23 second stage, leading to premature end of the mission. Data analyses are in progress to clarify reasons for this failure. An independent inquiry commission will be set up in the coming hours.”

This was the 15th launch by the Vega rocket and its second launch this year.

Falcon Eye 1 was built by Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia. It featured a high-resolution Imager, HiRI, imaging system with a ground resolution of 70 cm across a 20 km swath. It was built for the use of the UAE Armed Forces. (Agencies)