This joint initiative aims to bolster the UAE’s Earth Observation (EO) Program, advancing national capabilities in satellite remote sensing and Earth observation. By meeting the growing demand for high-resolution imagery, the joint venture will support a range of applications requiring SAR satellite data.
Manufacturing and operations will take place at Space42’s new Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) and LEO mission operations facilities in Abu Dhabi. These facilities will house the joint venture’s SAR ecosystem and serve as a hub for technology transfer, fostering knowledge-sharing and enabling the development of future sovereign SAR payloads.
Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Bayanat Smart Solutions, Space42, stated: “The joint venture is a continuation of our ongoing strategic partnership with ICEYE to advance Earth Observation capabilities. It will directly support Space42’s commitment to unlocking the full potential of space and ground systems capabilities, ultimately adding customer value through AI-enabled solutions.”
The partnership also aligns with the UAE’s broader space ambitions, enriching the local industrial ecosystem by localising the supply chain and sourcing components and services from UAE-based players. It further supports Emiratization efforts by creating opportunities for Emirati talent to contribute to space technology development and national prosperity.
ICEYE CEO and Co-founder Rafal Modrzewski highlighted the partnership’s global significance, saying: “This joint venture is expected to bring efficiency in deploying, managing, and operating SAR constellations as Space42 and ICEYE join forces to address the market in a coordinated approach. We are proud to see our satellite production line extended to manufacture state-of-the-art SAR technologies in the UAE.”
The venture is part of a broader strategy to expand ICEYE’s local footprint and enhance the UAE’s SAR capabilities. It follows the successful launch of Foresight-1, part of the UAE’s growing SAR constellation set to expand over the next three years.
