First UAE-built commercial satellite completes historic launch in major step forward in space race

On Friday, the UAE achieved a historic milestone as its first ever commercial satellite, the Altair-1, successfully launched from Vandenburg Space Force Base in California. Designed, assembled, and tested entirely within Abu Dhabi, the AI-powered satellite marked the beginning of the Altair constellation, a network of 10 advanced Earth observation satellites developed by Orbitworks.

Presently, the satellite has begun operations after transmitting a signal back to Earth. The remaining nine satellites in the constellation are scheduled for launch next year. Orbitworks, a collaborative venture between Abu Dhabi's Marlan Space and San Francisco’s Loft Orbital, operates a satellite assembly, integration, and testing centre in Kezad.

Dr Ahmad Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and chairman of the UAE Space Agency, expressed his satisfaction with the launch, stating that it signifies the nation's growing prowess in developing and manufacturing cutting-edge space technologies. Under the guidance of the National Space Strategy 2031, the UAE is fostering innovation, growth, and economic diversification through research, industry, and investment collaborations.

Each Altair satellite integrates five sensors – optical, short-wave infrared, thermal, hyperspectral, and radio frequency – enabling the constellation to revisit any global location approximately every four hours upon completion in 2027. With the ability to operate autonomously and in real time, the satellites can identify early-stage wildfires and locate rogue vessels at sea.

In the words of Dr Hamdullah Mohib, chief executive of Orbitworks and Marlan Space, "The UAE is no longer only a buyer of space capability; it is a builder of it." The first of 10 satellites in the constellation, Altair-1 demonstrates the UAE's emergence as a key player in the global space race. With a dedicated satellite production facility capable of manufacturing up to 50 satellites annually, the UAE is poised to lead the industry in AI-powered satellite constellation production and operations.