UAE Enters New Era With Launch Of First SAR Satellite By Bayanat And Yahsat

Bayanat AI PLC (ADX: BAYANAT) and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (ADX: Yahsat) have successfully launched their first Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite. This milestone event took place on August 16, 2024, in collaboration with ICEYE, a leader in SAR satellite operations for earth observation and disaster monitoring.

The Bayanat-owned SAR satellite 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 early routine operations have commenced.

This launch is a significant achievement for the UAE, enhancing Earth Observation capabilities. The SAR satellite is part of the Earth Observation Space Program, which aims to deliver high-resolution, persistent monitoring solutions through a comprehensive SAR constellation.

SAR technology uses an active sensing system that illuminates the Earth's surface and measures the reflected signal to generate high-resolution images. Unlike traditional optical imaging satellites, SAR can capture images day and night, regardless of weather conditions or solar illumination.

The successful launch reaffirms the UAE leadership's progressive vision to achieve its National Space Strategy 2030. This collaborative effort positions Bayanat and Yahsat at the forefront of the region's burgeoning space ecosystem, driving innovation and supporting 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."

Strategic Partnerships

The ongoing partnership between Bayanat, Yahsat, and ICEYE has been instrumental in this achievement. In 2023, they initiated the Earth Observation Space Program to build national satellite remote sensing capabilities within the UAE by developing a SAR satellite constellation.

This constellation of LEO satellites will provide consistent data streams for end-to-end solutions in SAR applications. It leverages synergies in Yahsat’s upstream and midstream capabilities along with Bayanat’s downstream expertise.

Future Prospects

The orbiting satellites will revisit the Middle East more frequently, enabling near real-time delivery of high-definition images across the region. This strategic initiative enhances their ability to provide timely geospatial insights critical for disaster management, maritime surveillance, and smart mobility applications.

Ali Al Hashemi, Group CEO of Yahsat said: "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 launch marks another milestone from their ongoing collaboration with ICEYE. The new radar antenna covers larger geographical areas compared to other new Space SAR services while providing higher-resolution images of smaller areas.

The Earth Observation Space Program demonstrates Bayanat and Yahsat’s commitment to advancing local talent and establishing sovereign satellite data acquisition capabilities within the UAE.

With inputs from WAM