Rendering of a Space42 Foresight SAR satellite. Photo: Space42

Space42 has shipped three synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites — its first satellites to go through assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) within the United Arab Emirates under a partnership with Iceye. 

These are the first satellites integrated in the UAE under a deal that Yahsat and Bayanat (now Space42), reached a deal with Iceye in 2023. The satellites were produced under a distributed manufacturing model in which the satellites go through production in Finland, then AIT in the UAE. 

These satellites will be a part of Space42’s Foresight constellation which delivers 25-centimeter resolution SAR. Iceye previously built two satellites for Space42 which are already in orbit. Foresight satellites 3, 4, and 5 have been shipped to the United States ahead of launch, Space42 announced Thursday. 

Data from the satellites will be used in SAR imagery products for disaster response, climate monitoring, urban planning, logistics, and national security, analyzed by Space42’s AI platform, GIQ. 

“For the first time, satellites equipped with cutting-edge SAR technology have been tested in the UAE. This reflects how far we have come: from reliance on imported technology to building advanced platforms with our global partners,” commented Khalid Al Awadhi, senior vice president of Earth Observation Systems, Space42.