The UAE is set to achieve another major milestone in its rapidly expanding space sector with the upcoming launch of its first fully homegrown Altair satellite.
Designed and manufactured entirely within the country by Orbitworks in Abu Dhabi, the satellite represents a significant step forward in strengthening the UAE’s domestic space capabilities and advancing its ambitions to become a global leader in satellite technology and innovation.
The Altair satellite is scheduled to be transported to California later this year for launch into orbit. Once operational, it will provide near real-time Earth observation by using advanced artificial intelligence to process and deliver high-quality satellite imagery much faster than traditional systems.
The technology is expected to support a wide range of applications, including environmental monitoring, disaster response, infrastructure planning, agriculture, commercial services, and national security.
Orbitworks has also announced plans to build and deploy a constellation of 10 satellites, creating a network capable of delivering continuous and rapid Earth observation data to customers around the world.
In addition to serving regional and international markets, the company aims to export UAE-designed and manufactured space technology to Western countries, reinforcing the nation’s growing reputation as an emerging hub for advanced aerospace innovation and high-tech manufacturing.
