Space42, the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company, has announced two significant milestones, reinforcing its leadership in satellite communications and Earth observation. The company confirmed the global availability of its next-generation mobile communications satellite, Thuraya-4, and successfully launched three new Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, expanding its Foresight Earth Observation Constellation.
These achievements represent a major step in Space42’s strategy to merge advanced connectivity with intelligence, offering an integrated ecosystem of satellite communications, geospatial insights, and AI-driven data solutions to governments and enterprises globally.
Expanding Global Connectivity with Thuraya-4
The newly operational Thuraya-4 satellite significantly enhances secure and reliable communications across more than 100 countries in Europe, Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East. It also extends coverage to new markets, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zambia.
Built on the Airbus Eurostar Neo platform, Thuraya-4 is one of the most advanced mobile communications satellites in orbit. It features a 12-meter reflector antenna and software-defined architecture, enabling in-orbit reconfiguration and delivering speeds exceeding 1 Mbps. The satellite operates on the L-band spectrum, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity across land, sea, and air, and is IoT and Direct-to-Device ready.
Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Space Services at Space42, said: “Thuraya-4’s commercial readiness is a major milestone for Space42. It strengthens our Non-Terrestrial Network leadership, showing how we translate long-term vision into global scale and commercial growth. By combining connectivity with next-generation technology, we are building a more adaptable, resilient communications ecosystem that will support customers, partners, and markets for years to come.”
The satellite underpins a 15-year government contract valued at $708 million, anchoring Space42’s mobile satellite services business.
Advancing Earth Observation with Foresight Constellation
In a parallel advancement, Space42 and its partner ICEYE have expanded the company’s Earth Observation capabilities by launching Foresight-3, Foresight-4, and Foresight-5 into Low Earth Orbit. The satellites were launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and have already commenced early operations.
This expansion brings the Foresight Constellation to five operational satellites, which integrate SAR imagery with Space42’s AI geospatial platform, GIQ, to deliver real-time, decision-grade intelligence with a 25-centimeter resolution.
Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Smart Solutions at Space42, commented: “Expanding the Foresight Constellation to five satellites in just over one year demonstrates our commitment to operating as a center of excellence for space innovation, and enhances the space ecosystem we are developing, that can scale globally from Abu Dhabi. By combining sovereign capability with global collaboration, together with ICEYE, we deliver intelligence that matters across industries and borders.”
Bolstering the UAE’s National Space Strategy
The successful deployment of these satellites highlights a powerful model of international collaboration. The Foresight satellites were produced in Finland, tested and integrated for the first time in Abu Dhabi at Space42’s Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) facility, and launched from the United States.
This program directly aligns with the UAE’s National Space Strategy 2030, reinforcing the nation’s position as a global space hub. By expanding its satellite manufacturing and operations from the UAE, Space42 is also strengthening the country’s industrial base and fostering high-tech talent development.
About Space42
Space42 (ADX: SPACE42) is a UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company that integrates satellite communications, geospatial analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities to enlighten the Earth from space. Formed in 2024 by the successful merger of Bayanat and Yahsat, Space42’s global reach allows it to address the rapidly evolving needs of its customers in governments, enterprises, and communities. Space42 comprises two business units: Space Services and Smart Solutions. Space Services focuses on upstream satellite operations for both fixed and mobility satellite services. Smart Solutions integrates geospatial data acquisition and processing with AI to inform decision-making, enhance situational awareness, and improve operational efficiency. Major shareholders include G42, Mubadala, and IHC.
Source: Gulf Business
