• The launch of the UAE’s first SAR satellites underscores the strategic collaboration and expands Bayanat and Yahsat’s Earth Observation (EO) Space Program and capabilities globally
  • The milestone reaffirms the UAE’s global leadership in the space sector and closely aligns with the strategic vision of Space42

​​Abu Dhabi, UAE — Bayanat AI PLC (ADX: BAYANAT), a leading provider of AI-powered geospatial solutions, and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (ADX: Yahsat), the UAE’s flagship satellite solutions provider, today announced the successful launch of their first Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite into orbit on August 16, 2024, in partnership with ICEYE, a pioneer in SAR satellite operations for earth observation, persistent monitoring, and natural catastrophe solutions.

In a landmark achievement, the Bayanat-owned SAR satellite, in collaboration with Yahsat, was launched via integrator Exolaunch and successfully lifted off aboard SpaceX’s Transporter 11 rideshare from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA. The satellite has established communication, and early routine operations are underway.

Launching the UAE’s first SAR satellite is a significant milestone for the companies and the region to bolster Earth Observation capabilities. As part of the Earth Observation Space Program, this satellite debuts the comprehensive SAR constellation that will deliver high-resolution, persistent monitoring solutions. The satellite will use SAR technology, 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. Compared to other new Space SAR satellite services, ICEYE’s radar antenna covers much larger geographical areas and provides higher-resolution images of smaller areas, providing more value to customers.

The Earth Observation Space Program is a testament to Bayanat and Yahsat’s unwavering commitment to advancing the UAE's space sector, fostering local talent, and establishing sovereign satellite data acquisition and processing capabilities. The satellite's 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, said: “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.”

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.”

The satellite launch is the latest achievement from the ongoing partnership between Bayanat, Yahsat, and ICEYE. In 2023, the Earth Observation Space Program was created to build national satellite remote sensing and Earth Observation capabilities within the UAE by building a SAR satellite constellation. The constellation of LEO satellites will provide a consistent data stream for end-to-end solutions for SAR applications. It will cover the entire value chain by leveraging the available synergies in Yahsat’s upstream and midstream capabilities and Bayanat’s downstream capabilities.

The orbiting satellites will revisit the Middle East more frequently, enabling Bayanat and Yahsat to deliver near real-time, high-definition images of on-the-ground conditions across the region and beyond. This strategic initiative enhances the companies’ ability to provide timely and accurate geospatial insights, critical for applications in disaster management, maritime surveillance, and smart mobility.

-Ends-

About Bayanat

Bayanat AI PLC, an ADX-listed public company whose majority shareholder is G42, provides comprehensive world-class AI-powered geospatial solutions to a growing number of sectors such as Government Services, Environment, Energy & Resources, Smart Cities and Transportation. Its offering includes topographic, hydrographic, and aeronautical products and charts, as well as spatial data surveying, analysis, management, modeling, visualization, and cartography services. Bayanat’s solutions harness vast amounts of premium and unique data from a range of sources including Satellites, High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) and Earth Observation powered by AI to drive geospatial intelligence (gIQ).

Note

Subject to obtaining regulatory and other relevant approvals, Bayanat AI PLC is in the process of merging with Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (Yahsat). The proposed merger aims to create an AI-powered space technology champion in the MENA region with global reach. Bayanat and Yahsat will continue to operate independently until regulatory approvals are received and the merger is effective, which is expected to take place in H2 2024. Visit the merger microsite for more information: www.asharedambition.com 

About Yahsat

Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (Yahsat) is a public company listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and a subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company PJSC, offering multi-mission satellite solutions in more than 150 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America, Asia and Australasia.

Yahsat’s fleet of 5 satellites reaches more than 80% of the world’s population, enabling critical communications including broadband, broadcasting, backhauling and mobility solutions. Based out of Abu Dhabi in the UAE, Yahsat provides C, Ku, Ka and L-band satellite communications solutions for land, maritime and aero platforms to consumers, governments and enterprises. Its businesses consist of Yahsat Government Solutions, Thuraya, YahClick (powered by Hughes) and YahLink. Yahsat also participates in Hughes do Brasil, an equity partnership with Hughes, and Yahlive, an equity partnership with SES. In 2020, Yahsat commenced construction of Thuraya 4-NGS, the next generation telecommunications system for Thuraya, which is due to enter service in 2025. In 2023, Yahsat commenced construction of two new software-defined telecommunication satellites, Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5, which are expected to be launched in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

About ICEYE

ICEYE delivers unparalleled persistent monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to changes in any location on Earth, faster and more accurately than ever before.

Owning the world's largest synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation, ICEYE provides objective, near real-time insights, ensuring that customers have unmatched access to actionable data, day or night, even in challenging environmental conditions. As a trusted partner to governments and commercial industries, ICEYE delivers intelligence in sectors such as insurance, natural catastrophe response and recovery, security, maritime monitoring, and finance, enabling decision-making that contributes to community resilience and sustainable development.

ICEYE operates internationally with offices in Finland, Poland, Spain, the UK, and the US. We have more than 700 employees, inspired by the shared vision of improving life on Earth by becoming the global source of truth in Earth Observation.

Visit www.iceye.com  and follow ICEYE on LinkedIn and X for the latest updates and insights.

Media Contact: Hannah Guenther, TrailRunner International;
bayanat@trailrunnerint.com ; press@iceye.fi