Space42 and ICEYE Forge Joint Venture to Establish Satellite Manufacturing in UAE

Technology

Space42 and ICEYE Forge Joint Venture to Establish Satellite Manufacturing in UAE

Space42 (ADX: SPACE42), a UAE-based AI-driven SpaceTech firm, and ICEYE, a global leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations, have announced a joint venture to manufacture SAR satellites in the UAE. This initiative marks a significant step in the nation's space ambitions and builds on the successful launch of the UAE's first SAR satellite, Foresight-1, in August 2024.

The partnership focuses on advancing the UAE’s Earth Observation (EO) Program by addressing the surging demand for high-resolution SAR satellite imagery. The joint venture will manufacture SAR satellites and deploy SAR missions to support a range of use cases.

Space42’s new Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) facilities in Abu Dhabi will serve as the hub for manufacturing operations, creating a local SAR ecosystem. This initiative also facilitates technology transfer and knowledge-sharing, strengthening the UAE's research and development (R&D) capabilities for sovereign SAR payloads.

Strengthening UAE’s Space Capabilities
The collaboration aligns with the UAE’s strategic objectives of fostering technological innovation and localizing critical industries. Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Bayanat Smart Solutions, Space42, emphasized the partnership's significance:
"This joint venture enhances Space42’s ability to integrate AI-driven solutions into space and ground systems. By localizing SAR satellite manufacturing, we position the UAE as a global leader in space technology while providing opportunities for Emirati talent to drive innovation."

Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership:
"Combining ICEYE’s cutting-edge SAR expertise with Space42’s capabilities ensures efficient deployment and operation of SAR constellations. This joint venture strengthens our local footprint while accelerating the UAE's space program and enriching the nation's SAR capabilities."

Localizing the Supply Chain
The joint venture will bolster the UAE’s industrial ecosystem by sourcing components from domestic suppliers and fostering Emirati talent participation. It also supports the UAE’s Emiratization agenda, contributing to economic growth and creating a skilled workforce in the aerospace sector.

This initiative follows several strategic collaborations between Space42 and ICEYE, including the Foresight-1 launch, part of a growing SAR constellation expected to expand over the next three years.