The UAE has successfully launched its first Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite.
The launch took place on August 16, 2024 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA.
The satellite, owned by Bayanat AI PLC, was launched in partnership with Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (Yahsat) and ICEYE. It was sent into orbit aboard SpaceX’s Transporter 11 rideshare mission.
UAE launches first SAR satellite in collaboration with Bayanat, Yahsat
This launch marks a significant step for the UAE’s space sector and its National Space Strategy 2030.
The SAR satellite is part of a larger Earth Observation Space Program, which aims to establish a comprehensive SAR constellation for high-resolution, persistent monitoring solutions.
“The launch of our first satellite marks a highly anticipated milestone for both our collaborative efforts and for the UAE. This is a triumphant moment for Bayanat and a defining step toward our future as Space42. Inaugurating, our Earth Observation capabilities, including the debut of our SAR satellite constellation, will further strengthen our position as a leader in AI-powered geospatial analytics. Our ongoing partnership with ICEYE, building on our shared ambition with Yahsat, continues to prove invaluable, enabling us to leverage space insights for informed decision-making on Earth,” Hasan Al Hosani, Managing Director of Bayanat said.
The SAR technology used by the satellite allows for image capture regardless of weather conditions or time of day, offering advantages over traditional optical imaging satellites.
“The successful launch of our SAR satellite is a testament to the synergies between Bayanat and Yahsat as we press ahead with the anticipated merger to form Space42. The SAR satellite constellation to be launched over the next 3 years will enable us to expand as a multi-orbit satellite operator, encompassing Geostationary Orbit and Low Earth Orbit satellites while also developing satellite manufacturing capabilities in the UAE. This significant step also solidifies our extensive experience and reaffirms our place as pioneers in the UAE’s space sector and a significant player in the global SpaceTech industry,” Ali Al Hashemi, Group CEO of Yahsat added.
This initiative is expected to enhance the UAE’s capabilities in disaster management, maritime surveillance, and smart mobility through the provision of near real-time, high-definition images of on-the-ground conditions.
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