Space42, a UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company, and ICEYE, a global leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations for high-fidelity Earth Observation, have launched a joint venture to manufacture SAR satellites in the UAE. This collaboration builds upon their successful partnership, which recently saw the launch of the UAE’s first SAR satellite, Foresight-1, in August 2024.
The joint venture focuses on satellite manufacturing and the deployment of SAR satellite missions, contributing directly to the UAE’s Earth Observation (EO) Programme. This national initiative aims to enhance satellite remote sensing and EO capabilities. The joint venture will address the increasing demand for high-resolution imagery and data provided by SAR satellites, applicable across a wide range of industries and use cases.
The new Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) mission operations facilities in Abu Dhabi will house the local SAR ecosystem. These facilities will host the joint venture’s manufacturing operations and Space42’s constellation operation services, creating a hub for SAR satellite development in the region.
This partnership also serves as a platform for technology transfer and knowledge sharing, promoting national research and development efforts for future sovereign SAR payloads. It strengthens ICEYE’s presence in the UAE, supporting the growing demand for SAR and Earth Observation capabilities.
Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Bayanat Smart Solutions and Space42, commented: “The joint venture is a continuation of our strategic partnership with ICEYE to enhance Earth Observation capabilities. It aligns with Space42’s mission to unlock the potential of space and ground systems through AI-enabled solutions, positioning the UAE as a global leader in space technology.”
The joint venture will enrich the UAE’s industrial ecosystem by localizing the SAR supply chain, sourcing components and services from UAE-based industrial players, and building a robust body of knowledge within the UAE. This initiative will also support Emiratisation efforts, creating opportunities for national talent to innovate and contribute to economic growth.
Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE, said: “This joint venture will bring efficiencies in deploying and managing SAR constellations, with Space42 and ICEYE joining forces to address the market in a coordinated approach. We are proud to extend our satellite production line to manufacture state-of-the-art SAR technologies in the UAE, advancing both ICEYE’s global impact and the UAE space programme.”
The joint venture marks the latest in a series of strategic partnerships between Space42 and ICEYE. The collaboration follows the successful launch of Foresight-1, the UAE’s first SAR satellite, as part of the country’s expanding SAR constellation, which will continue to grow over the next three years.
