United Arab Emirates-based space technology company Space42 has formed a joint venture with Finnish microsatellite manufacturer ICEYE to produce synthetic aperture radar satellites in its assembly, integration and testing and low Earth orbit mission operations facilities in Abu Dhabi.
According to ICEYE, the joint venture will support the Middle Eastern nation’s Earth Observation Program, which aims to build national satellite remote sensing and EO capabilities. It would also facilitate a technology transfer arrangement between the companies, supporting future SAR payload development.
Rafal Modrzewski, co-founder and CEO at ICEYE, said Space42 and ICEYE’s joining forces to address the SAR constellations market is expected to improve their deployment, management and operation.
“We are proud to see our satellite production line extended to manufacture state-of-the-art SAR technologies in the UAE through our partnership with Space42, enhancing the global reach and positive impact of ICEYE’s technology,” the chief executive said. “We are excited to grow ICEYE’s local footprint and look forward to accelerating the UAE space program and the local space and SAR capabilities by harnessing the most of both companies’ expertise for the benefit of the people of the UAE.”
For Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Space42 unit Bayanat Smart Solutions, the partnership builds on the two companies’ previous commitment to unlocking the full potential of their Earth observation capabilities. The two companies previously collaborated on manufacturing the first batch of satellites for the Foresight constellation, which launched in August as part of the kingdom’s SAR project.
Apart from its work with Space42, ICEYE also leads a consortium of defense contractors that is collaborating with Finland to develop advanced space and joint intelligence capabilities powered by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.