Bayanat AI PLC and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) successfully launched the UAE's first Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite on August 16, 2024, in collaboration with ICEYE, a leader in SAR satellite operations.
The satellite, which was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard SpaceX’s Transporter 11, has begun its early routine operations.
This launch is a significant milestone in advancing the UAE's Earth Observation capabilities, marking the start of a SAR satellite constellation aimed at delivering high-resolution, persistent monitoring solutions. Unlike traditional optical satellites, SAR technology allows for capturing images day and night, regardless of weather conditions, providing comprehensive data for various applications.
The successful launch is part of the Earth Observation Space Program, which aims to establish sovereign satellite data acquisition and processing capabilities in the UAE. This initiative aligns with the UAE's National Space Strategy 2030, enhancing the nation’s position in the global space sector.
Hasan Al Hosani, Managing Director of Bayanat, highlighted this as a crucial step toward Bayanat's future as Space42, reinforcing its leadership in AI-powered geospatial analytics. Ali Al Hashemi, Group CEO of Yahsat, emphasized the importance of this achievement in expanding their capabilities as a multi-orbit satellite operator and solidifying the UAE's leadership in the space industry.
The ongoing partnership between Bayanat, Yahsat, and ICEYE aims to build a comprehensive SAR satellite constellation over the next three years, enabling near real-time, high-definition imaging critical for disaster management, maritime surveillance, and smart mobility across the Middle East and beyond.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
