Abu Dhabi-based AI-powered SpaceTech company Space42 has marked a significant milestone for the UAE’s space industry by successfully shipping three Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites from its facility in Abu Dhabi to the United States. The satellites, named Foresight-3, Foresight-4, and Foresight-5, were manufactured in partnership with global SAR leader ICEYE and represent the first time such advanced platforms have completed critical integration and testing activities within the UAE.
A Milestone for Sovereign Space Ambitions
This achievement advances the UAE’s sovereign resilience and accelerates progress toward its National Space Strategy 2030. By localizing the Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) process at its Abu Dhabi facility, Space42 is shifting the nation from reliance on imported technology to building advanced platforms with global partners. This move anchors the company’s strategy of becoming a preferred partner for premium geospatial data and reaffirms the UAE’s leadership in Earth Observation and satellite innovation.
“This is a proud moment for Space42 and the UAE,” said Khalid Al Awadhi, SVP Earth Observation Systems at Space42. “For the first time, satellites equipped with cutting-edge SAR technology have been tested in the UAE. This reflects how far we have come: from reliance on imported technology to building advanced platforms with our global partners.”
Expanding the Foresight Constellation
Foresight-3, -4, and -5 will join two existing satellites in the Space42 Earth Observation (EO) Foresight Constellation. The expansion brings the constellation closer to its target maturity in 2027, strengthening the company’s position in the high-resolution EO data market. Once operational, the constellation will deliver persistent, all-weather imagery at a 25-centimetre resolution with global coverage. This data will be analyzed by Space42’s AI platform, GIQ, to provide decision-grade geospatial intelligence for applications in disaster response, climate monitoring, urban planning, logistics, and national security.
Global Collaboration Fuels Local Innovation
The development of the new satellites highlights a successful model of distributed manufacturing and international collaboration. With production in Finland and final AIT in the UAE, the program demonstrates how global partnerships can accelerate innovation and bolster supply chain resilience. This positions the UAE as both a sovereign operator and a trusted partner in the global advancement of Earth Observation technologies.
About Space42
Space42 (ADX: SPACE42) is a UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company that integrates satellite communications, geospatial analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities. Formed in 2024 through the merger of Bayanat and Yahsat, Space42 addresses the rapidly evolving needs of customers across governments, enterprises, and communities. The company comprises two business units: Space Services, focusing on upstream satellite operations, and Smart Solutions, which integrates geospatial data with AI to inform decision-making. Its major shareholders include G42, Mubadala, and IHC.
Source: Zawya
