The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reached a significant milestone on Friday, August 16, by launching the country’s first Low-Earth-orbit (LEO) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite into orbit for Earth observation.
The launch was carried out by Bayanat, an AI-powered geospatial solutions provider, and the UAE’s Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), in partnership with ICEYE, a pioneer in SAR satellite operations for Earth observation, persistent monitoring and natural disaster solutions.
The SAR satellite was launched by integrator Exolaunch and successfully lifted off aboard SpaceX’s Transporter 11 vehicle from Vandenberg Space Center in California, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
The satellite has established communications and initial routine operations are underway.
The satellite will be the first to introduce a comprehensive SAR constellation providing high-resolution persistent surveillance solutions as part of the Earth Observation Space Programme.
Unlike traditional optical imaging satellites, SAR can capture images day or night, regardless of weather conditions or sunlight illumination.
The satellite will utilize SAR technology, an active sensing system that shines light on the Earth’s surface and measures the reflected signals to produce high-resolution images.
Bayanat managing director Hasan Al Hosani said the launch marked a “highly anticipated milestone for our joint effort and the UAE.”
“This is a triumphant moment for Bayanat and a decisive step towards its future as Space 42,” he said.
“The launch of 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 SAR constellation to be launched over the next three years will enable us to expand as a multi-orbit operator, including geostationary and low-earth orbit satellites, as well as develop our satellite manufacturing capabilities in the UAE,” said Yahsat CEO Ali Al Hashemi.