Emirates SkyCargo has transported Altair-1, the UAE’s first commercial AI-enabled Earth observation satellite, from Dubai to Los Angeles ahead of its scheduled launch in October 2026.
The satellite travelled on an Emirates SkyCargo Boeing 777 freighter from Dubai World Central to Los Angeles International Airport. It is the first of 10 satellites planned for Orbitworks’ Altair constellation, which is being developed and manufactured in the UAE.
Altair satellites are designed with optical, infrared, thermal and radio-frequency sensing capabilities, along with onboard AI processing, according to the announcement.
The shipment was handled through Emirates SkyCargo’s Aerospace and Engineering vertical. The carrier said it has moved more than 6,000 tonnes of aerospace and advanced engineering cargo worldwide in 2026, and has previously transported Arab Satellite 813 and Khalifasat.
Source: Zawya
