Abu Dhabi: Bayanat AI PLC (ADX: BAYANAT), a provider of AI-powered geospatial solutions, and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (ADX: Yahsat), the UAE’s leading satellite solutions provider, announced the successful launch of their first Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite on August 16, 2024. This milestone was achieved in partnership with ICEYE, a pioneer in SAR satellite operations for earth observation and disaster management.
The Bayanat-owned SAR satellite, developed in collaboration with Yahsat, was launched via integrator Exolaunch aboard SpaceX’s Transporter 11 rideshare from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA. The satellite has established communication, and initial operations have commenced.
This launch marks a significant achievement for both companies and enhances the UAE’s Earth Observation capabilities. The satellite is part of a larger Earth Observation Space Program, which will provide high-resolution, continuous monitoring solutions. SAR technology, used by this satellite, captures high-resolution images day and night, regardless of weather conditions, making it more versatile than traditional optical satellites. ICEYE’s radar antenna covers larger areas and delivers higher-resolution images, offering substantial value to customers.
The Earth Observation Space Program demonstrates Bayanat and Yahsat’s commitment to advancing the UAE’s space sector, nurturing local talent, and developing independent satellite data acquisition and processing capabilities. The successful launch aligns with the UAE’s National Space Strategy 2030 and positions Bayanat and Yahsat as leaders in the region’s space ecosystem, supporting both national and commercial interests.
Hasan Al Hosani, Managing Director of Bayanat, stated: “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.”
Ali Al Hashemi, Group CEO of Yahsat, added: “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.”
This satellite launch is the latest achievement from the ongoing partnership between Bayanat, Yahsat, and ICEYE. The Earth Observation Space Program, established in 2023, aims to build a SAR satellite constellation that will enhance the UAE’s satellite remote sensing and Earth Observation capabilities. The constellation of LEO satellites will provide a continuous stream of data for SAR applications, leveraging Yahsat’s upstream and midstream capabilities and Bayanat’s downstream capabilities.
The satellites will frequently revisit the Middle East, enabling Bayanat and Yahsat to deliver near real-time, high-definition images of conditions on the ground across the region and beyond. This initiative strengthens the companies’ ability to provide accurate geospatial insights for disaster management, maritime surveillance, and smart mobility.
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