Bayanat and Yahsat launch UAE's first radar imaging satellite as part of 'constellation'

A SpaceX rocket carried the satellite into orbit, the first of many

A SpaceX rocket carried the first SAR satellite developed by Yahsat and Bayanat into orbit on August 16. Photo: Wam

Bayanat and Yahsat have launched the UAE’s first radar imaging satellite, marking the debut of a group, or constellation, of devices created to take high-resolution images of the Earth.

A SpaceX rocket carried the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite into low Earth orbit from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Friday.

The launch comes at a time when both companies, which are listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, are preparing to merge to establish a $4.1 billion AI-powered space technology business called Space42 – possibly creating one of the most valuable publicly listed space companies.

“The SAR satellite constellation to be launched over the next three 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,” said Ali Al Hashemi, chief executive of Yahsat.

Ali Al Hashemi, chief executive of Yahsat. Photo: Yahsat

European company ICEYE teamed up with Bayanat and Yahsat to develop the satellite, which will be able to capture images day and night regardless of weather.

It has a sensing system that illuminates the Earth’s surface and measures the reflected signal to create high-resolution images.

Hasan Al Hosani, Bayanat's managing director, said that the launch “marks a highly anticipated milestone for both of their collaborative efforts and for the UAE”.

“This is a triumphant moment for Bayanat and a defining step towards our future as Space42,” he said.

“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.”

The constellation would provide a stream of radar data to customers.

By tapping into Yahsat’s experience in satellite management and Bayanat’s skills in processing this data, Space42 would be able to handle everything from launching the satellites to delivering information for a range of applications.