Uae To Lead Satellite Revolution With Groundbreaking Partnership

Space42 and ICEYE Unveil Groundbreaking Partnership to Revolutionize SAR Satellite Manufacturing in the UAE

A pioneering AI-powered space tech company based in the UAE, Space42, has joined forces with global leader ICEYE to launch a joint venture aimed at manufacturing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites in the country. This strategic alliance marks a major milestone in the UAE’s Earth Observation (EO) program, bolstering its capabilities and catering to the increasing demand for high-resolution SAR satellite imagery.

The partnership builds upon the successful launch of Foresight-1, the UAE’s first SAR satellite, which took place in August 2024. This groundbreaking achievement has paved the way for the joint venture, which will focus on producing satellites, deploying SAR missions, and supporting the UAE’s EO Program. By leveraging Space42’s Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) facilities in Abu Dhabi, as well as ICEYE’s expertise in SAR operations, the partnership aims to create a robust supply chain that localises components and services from UAE-based industries.

The joint venture is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering Emiratisation goals by developing sovereign SAR payloads and encouraging the growth of national innovation and economic development. By harnessing the talents of Emirati engineers, technicians, and researchers, this initiative will contribute significantly to the UAE’s space R&D capabilities.

Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE, highlighted the significance of extending the production line to the UAE, stating, “This venture brings efficiency in deploying SAR constellations, leveraging the combined expertise of Space42 and ICEYE.” By enhancing its technology’s global reach while supporting the country’s growing space program, this partnership promises to revolutionise the SAR satellite manufacturing landscape.

The UAE seeks to enhance national remote sensing capabilities as part of its EO Program. The joint venture is poised to make a significant impact in this area, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to support the country’s ambitious goals.

By combining the expertise of Space42 and ICEYE, this partnership has set a new standard for SAR satellite manufacturing in the UAE. With its focus on innovation, collaboration, and localisation, this initiative promises to unlock the full potential of space technologies and propel the UAE forward as a leader in global space advancements.