New Earth Observation Satellite Manufacturing Centre to be Established in Abu Dhabi
Collaboration between Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Space42 aims to enhance the UAE's capabilities in satellite technology and create a skilled workforce.
A dedicated commercial earth observation satellite manufacturing centre is set to be established in Abu Dhabi as part of a collaborative initiative between the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (Adio) and the emirate's Space42.
This project, announced during the Make it in the Emirates 2025 manufacturing conference, aims to position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for advanced manufacturing and contribute to the creation of a national workforce skilled in space technology.
According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, the new facility will focus on the manufacturing of synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) satellites, which are essential for various applications including national security, environmental monitoring, and disaster response.
These satellites are capable of capturing high-resolution imagery under diverse weather conditions and lighting.
Badr Al Olama, director general of Adio, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, "This strategic partnership brings together global capability and national ambition.
By enabling transformative companies like Space42 to scale breakthrough technologies here in Abu Dhabi, we are delivering on our mandate to accelerate the emirate’s economic growth and establish future-ready industries."
The project intends to facilitate knowledge transfer and bolster critical infrastructure while emphasizing sustainable economic benefits.
The manufacturing process will be managed by Space42 Space Systems, overseeing all aspects from system design to launch readiness.
Hasan Al Hosani, chief executive of Banayat Smart Solutions at Space42, noted that the establishment of commercial satellite manufacturing in the UAE represents a significant advancement in their strategy.
"It enhances our sovereign capability in earth observation and strengthens our position as the preferred partner for premium geospatial data.
Abu Dhabi is at the centre of this ambition, providing the environment to test, scale, and export space-based capabilities that are sovereign at origin and global in application," he stated.
This initiative marks the first time Abu Dhabi will be able to assemble, integrate, and test commercial SAR satellites, reinforcing the emirate’s role in the global space economy and establishing its reputation as a centre of excellence for space innovation.
In recent developments, the UAE's latest SAR satellite, Etihad-Sat, successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in March.
This satellite is equipped with advanced technology to monitor Earth under various weather conditions, day or night.
Additionally, the newly announced manufacturing centre will support Abu Dhabi's plan to cultivate local talent in the space sector.
The project will include academic and industry programs such as internships for Emiratis, technical lectures, industry site visits, and collaborative research initiatives with prominent universities in Abu Dhabi.
This project, announced during the Make it in the Emirates 2025 manufacturing conference, aims to position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for advanced manufacturing and contribute to the creation of a national workforce skilled in space technology.
According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, the new facility will focus on the manufacturing of synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) satellites, which are essential for various applications including national security, environmental monitoring, and disaster response.
These satellites are capable of capturing high-resolution imagery under diverse weather conditions and lighting.
Badr Al Olama, director general of Adio, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, "This strategic partnership brings together global capability and national ambition.
By enabling transformative companies like Space42 to scale breakthrough technologies here in Abu Dhabi, we are delivering on our mandate to accelerate the emirate’s economic growth and establish future-ready industries."
The project intends to facilitate knowledge transfer and bolster critical infrastructure while emphasizing sustainable economic benefits.
The manufacturing process will be managed by Space42 Space Systems, overseeing all aspects from system design to launch readiness.
Hasan Al Hosani, chief executive of Banayat Smart Solutions at Space42, noted that the establishment of commercial satellite manufacturing in the UAE represents a significant advancement in their strategy.
"It enhances our sovereign capability in earth observation and strengthens our position as the preferred partner for premium geospatial data.
Abu Dhabi is at the centre of this ambition, providing the environment to test, scale, and export space-based capabilities that are sovereign at origin and global in application," he stated.
This initiative marks the first time Abu Dhabi will be able to assemble, integrate, and test commercial SAR satellites, reinforcing the emirate’s role in the global space economy and establishing its reputation as a centre of excellence for space innovation.
In recent developments, the UAE's latest SAR satellite, Etihad-Sat, successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in March.
This satellite is equipped with advanced technology to monitor Earth under various weather conditions, day or night.
Additionally, the newly announced manufacturing centre will support Abu Dhabi's plan to cultivate local talent in the space sector.
The project will include academic and industry programs such as internships for Emiratis, technical lectures, industry site visits, and collaborative research initiatives with prominent universities in Abu Dhabi.
