Bayanat AI PLC and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) have successfully launched the UAE’s first Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite in partnership with ICEYE. On August 16, 2024, SpaceX launched the satellite aboard Transporter 11 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. It has established communication and started early activities.
The SAR satellite represents a key milestone in the UAE’s Earth Observation capabilities, allowing for high-resolution, continuous monitoring in all weather situations, day or night. ICEYE’s technology outperforms other SAR systems in terms of image resolution and geographical coverage. This achievement contributes to the UAE’s National Space Strategy 2030 and demonstrates the country’s developing capabilities in satellite data collection and processing.
Hasan Al Hosani, Bayanat’s Managing Director, emphasised the satellite’s importance in enhancing Earth observation capabilities and strengthening its position in AI-powered geospatial analytics. Ali Al Hashemi, Group CEO of Yahsat, emphasised the collaborative work with Bayanat and ICEYE, which is consistent with the projected merger to establish Space42.
The satellite launch is part of a larger effort to build a SAR satellite constellation, which will improve the UAE’s ability to deliver near-real-time geospatial insights needed for emergency management, marine surveillance, and other key applications.
