On Friday, an advanced UAE satellite, equipped with ultra-high-tech features, was successfully launched and placed into orbit. This marks the nation's inaugural low-Earth-orbit (LEO) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite. The SAR satellite is owned by Bayanat, an AI-driven geospatial solutions provider, and was launched by the UAE's Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat). Communication with the satellite has been established, and preliminary operational procedures are in progress.
This significant launch, a result of the collaboration between Bayanat, Yahsat, and ICEYE, represents a major advancement in enhancing the Earth observation capabilities of the companies and the region. Unlike conventional optical imaging satellites, SAR technology enables imaging regardless of time of day, weather conditions, or solar illumination. SAR operates as an active sensing system, illuminating the Earth's surface and measuring the reflected signals to produce high-resolution images.
As part of the Earth Observation Space Programme, this satellite initiates a comprehensive SAR constellation designed to provide high-resolution, continuous monitoring solutions. The programme, launched in 2023, aims to develop national satellite remote sensing and Earth observation capabilities in the UAE through the construction of a SAR satellite constellation. This constellation will offer a steady stream of data for end-to-end SAR applications, allowing frequent revisits to the Middle East and enabling near real-time, high-definition imaging of ground conditions across the region and beyond.
This strategic move enhances the ability of Bayanat and Yahsat to deliver timely and precise geospatial insights, crucial for applications in disaster management, maritime surveillance, and smart mobility. Compared to other new Space SAR satellite services, ICEYE's radar antenna provides broader coverage and higher-resolution images of smaller areas, adding greater value to customers. Ali Al Hashemi, group CEO of Yahsat, noted that the SAR satellite constellation to be launched over the next three years will facilitate the expansion into a multi-orbit satellite operator, including geostationary and low Earth orbit satellites, while also advancing satellite manufacturing capabilities in the UAE.
Hasan Al Hosani, managing director of Bayanat, expressed that this launch is a significant achievement for Bayanat and a pivotal step towards their future as Space42. The initiation of their Earth Observation capabilities, including the launch of their SAR satellite constellation, will reinforce their standing as a leader in AI-powered geospatial analytics.
