Space42 plans 2029 launch of satellite phone service to end mobile dead zones

Abu Dhabi-based space technology company Space42 is gearing up to launch a satellite phone service in 2029, aiming to eliminate mobile dead zones. The company, operating under Equatys, is developing direct-to-device satellite connectivity compatible with standard smartphones, regardless of whether they are Android or iPhone models.

According to Victor Stoyanov, COO of Smart Solutions at Space42, this technology will allow users to connect to satellites and receive connectivity even in areas where conventional 4G, 5G networks fail to provide coverage. This breakthrough technology could revolutionize connectivity, offering security and resilience during network failures.

Moreover, Space42 is collaborating with A2Z, South Korea's leading autonomous mobility company, to bring self-driving vehicles to Abu Dhabi's streets. The partnership will utilize UAE satellite and mapping infrastructure to equip self-driving vehicles with high-precision maps, enabling them to navigate safely without solely relying on onboard sensors.

The maps will be regularly updated to reflect changes in roads and infrastructure, ensuring the vehicles have the most current information as they operate on the city's streets. In addition to its satellite connectivity and autonomous mobility projects, Space42 is also focusing on the Foresight's SAR constellation. This constellation's capabilities are unparalleled, as it can monitor disaster sites when optical satellites are unable to see, assess damage through smoke after explosions, and track changes in volcanoes, infrastructure, and terrain, even in areas with zero visibility.

Space42 describes this system as a "superpower" for humanity, acknowledging its immense potential to aid in various fields and improve people's lives.