Space42 Delivers First UAE-Made SAR Satellites to U.S.
▼ Summary
– Space42 has shipped three Synthetic Aperture Radar satellites from Abu Dhabi to the US, manufactured in partnership with ICEYE.
– This marks the first time advanced SAR satellites completed critical integration and testing in the UAE, advancing sovereign resilience and the National Space Strategy 2030.
– The satellites will join Space42’s Earth Observation Foresight Constellation, providing persistent, all-weather imagery at 25-centimeter resolution with global coverage.
– The addition of these satellites brings the constellation closer to maturity in 2027, strengthening Space42’s position in the high-resolution EO data market.
– The program demonstrates the UAE’s growing SpaceTech leadership through domestic AIT capability, Emirati engineering, and collaboration with global partners.
Space42 has successfully delivered its first three UAE-made Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites to the United States, marking a significant step forward for the nation’s space sector. The satellites, named Foresight-3, Foresight-4, and Foresight-5, were developed at the Space42 Space Systems facility in Abu Dhabi in collaboration with ICEYE, a world leader in SAR technology. This shipment represents the first time advanced SAR satellites have undergone full integration and testing within the UAE, reinforcing the country’s sovereign capabilities and advancing its National Space Strategy 2030.
These new satellites will join Space42’s expanding Earth Observation Foresight Constellation, which is designed to provide persistent, all-weather imaging at a resolution of 25 centimeters with worldwide coverage. The constellation supports a range of critical applications, including disaster management, climate monitoring, urban development, logistics, and national security. Data collected by the satellites is processed through Space42’s AI platform, GIQ, transforming raw imagery into actionable geospatial intelligence for both government and commercial users.
Khalid Al Awadhi, Senior Vice President of Earth Observation Systems at Space42, described the achievement as a proud moment for the company and the UAE. He emphasized the shift from relying on imported space technology to developing advanced platforms through international partnerships. According to Al Awadhi, this expansion enhances the UAE’s sovereign capabilities and solidifies its leadership in next-generation AI-powered space technology.
With the launches of Foresight-1 in August 2024 and Foresight-2 in January 2025 already completed, the addition of Foresight-3, -4, and -5 brings the constellation closer to its planned maturity in 2027. This expansion strengthens Space42’s competitive position in the rapidly growing market for high-resolution Earth observation data. The program also highlights the effectiveness of distributed manufacturing and global collaboration, components produced in Finland were integrated and tested in the UAE, showcasing how international partnerships can accelerate innovation and improve supply chain resilience.
The UAE’s expanding role in space technology is supported by its domestic Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) infrastructure, a growing base of Emirati engineering talent, and strategic alliances with global industry leaders. These elements ensure that key project milestones are met on schedule and within budget. Looking ahead, Space42 intends to continue expanding the Foresight Constellation through 2027, enhancing global coverage and reinforcing the UAE’s influence in the international space economy.
(Source: Economy Middle East)
