Orbitworks, a satellite manufacturer based in the United Arab Emirates, announced plans to build and deploy Altair, a constellation of 10 advanced AI-powered Earth observation satellites. Production will begin in the second half of 2025 at Orbitworks’ Abu Dhabi facility, with launches expected in 2026, according to TechInAsia.
Each Altair satellite will be equipped with a multi-sensor payload comprising optical, infrared, thermal, hyperspectral, and radio frequency (RF) sensors. A standout feature is their onboard edge computing capabilities, enabling real-time data processing directly in orbit. This advancement aims to speed decision-making for critical applications such as disaster response, maritime surveillance, agriculture monitoring, and national security.
The satellites will be constructed using Loft Orbital’s Longbow platform, derived from Airbus’ Arrow bus design, and are expected to have operational lifespans of up to eight years. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s strategic economic diversification plan, leveraging investments in high-technology sectors.
Since establishing the UAE Space Agency in 2014, the country has invested over $5.5 billion in its space program, creating more than 1,500 jobs across 57 space-related entities. Orbitworks’ satellite production facility is capable of manufacturing up to 50 satellites annually, positioning the UAE as a regional hub in the global satellite manufacturing supply chain.
The announcement arrives amid a surge in Middle Eastern government investments in space programs, which increased by 175% from 2018 to 2023. The UAE, already renowned for its Mars Hope Probe and astronaut missions, is leading the region in incorporating AI, miniaturization, and real-time Earth analytics into space technology.
Industry forecasts predict the global satellite manufacturing and launch market will grow from $278.2 billion in 2025 to $430.8 billion by 2030, with Earth observation—particularly AI-integrated systems—expected to see exponential expansion.
Orbitworks’ lead systems engineer explained, “The use of edge AI allows us to overcome the bottleneck of data transmission latency, providing users with actionable insights much faster than traditional systems.”
The Altair constellation will operate as a dynamic network of satellites delivering near-instant analysis of environmental and geopolitical data, benefiting governments and commercial users alike.
