Space42, a UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company, and ICEYE, a global leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations, have announced a joint venture to manufacture SAR satellites in the UAE. This partnership builds upon their successful collaboration, which recently included the launch of the UAE’s first SAR satellite, Foresight-1, in August 2024.
The new joint venture (JV) focuses on satellite manufacturing and deploying SAR satellite missions, directly supporting the UAE’s Earth Observation (EO) Programme. The programme aims to enhance national satellite remote sensing and EO capabilities, responding to the increasing demand for high-resolution imagery and data from SAR satellites across various applications.
The JV will operate from Space42’s new Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) mission operations facilities in Abu Dhabi. These facilities will form a local SAR ecosystem, housing the JV’s manufacturing operations and Space42’s constellation operation services.
A Platform for Technology Transfer
The joint venture will also serve as a platform for technology transfer and knowledge sharing, fostering national research and development (R&D) efforts for future sovereign SAR payloads. It will further strengthen ICEYE’s presence in the UAE, supporting the country’s growing demand for SAR and Earth Observation capabilities.
Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Bayanat Smart Solutions and Space42, emphasized, “The JV continues our strategic partnership with ICEYE to advance Earth Observation capabilities. It reinforces Space42’s commitment to unlocking the potential of space and ground systems, bringing SAR manufacturing to the UAE, and positioning the country as a leader in global space technology advancements.”
This partnership will contribute to the UAE’s industrial ecosystem by localizing the supply chain and sourcing components and services from local industrial players. It will also build a strong body of knowledge on SAR within the UAE, driven by Emirati talent and supporting the country’s Emiratisation efforts. This will create new opportunities for national talent to drive innovation, contributing to economic growth and national prosperity.
A Coordinated Approach to SAR Innovation
Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE, stated, “This JV will enhance the efficiency of deploying, managing, and operating SAR constellations. We are proud to extend our satellite production line to manufacture state-of-the-art SAR technologies in the UAE. Our partnership with Space42 will help expand ICEYE’s global impact and contribute to accelerating the UAE space programme and local SAR capabilities.”
This joint venture is the latest milestone in the ongoing strategic partnership between Space42 and ICEYE. Their collaboration most recently saw the successful launch of the UAE’s first SAR satellite, Foresight-1, in August 2024. This satellite is part of the UAE’s growing SAR constellation, which is set to expand over the next three years.
