UAE-based satellite company Space42 announced on Wednesday the successful deployment of the second Foresight Earth observation satellite, Foresight-2, in collaboration with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite operator ICEYE. The satellite was launched aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 Rideshare mission on Tuesday and has established communication, with early operations now underway.
Foresight-2 joins Foresight-1, which was launched in August 2024 as part of the collaboration between Bayanat and Yahsat, prior to the finalization of their merger into Space42. The addition of Foresight-2 will strengthen the SAR constellation, enhancing Space42’s geospatial insights and capabilities with increased speed and precision.
The Foresight satellites utilize an SAR active sensing system to capture high-resolution, round-the-clock Earth surface images, regardless of weather conditions or lighting. This capability enables tracking of smaller objects and subtle surface changes, addressing challenges like disaster mitigation, maritime surveillance, and urban mobility.
Space42’s Managing Director, Karim Michel Sabbagh, emphasized that the Foresight constellation will support the UAE’s Earth Observation (EO) Space Program, which was launched in 2023 to enhance the country’s satellite remote sensing and EO capabilities. “With cutting-edge technology, this spacecraft enhances our capacity to deliver precise, real-time geospatial insights, advancing the UAE’s earth observation capabilities,” he said.
The launch of Foresight-2 comes a month after Space42 and ICEYE announced a joint venture to manufacture SAR satellites in the UAE. Space42 aims to complete the Foresight SAR constellation by 2027.
