Altair satellite set to launch from UAE, targeting Western markets.
The launch, scheduled for this autumn from a Californian site, will carry the first UAE‑built satellite into a 500‑km orbit. It will provide near‑real‑time images of Earth, a capability the country has not offered before.
A New Era in UAE Space
Orbitworks, a joint venture between Abu Dhabi’s Marlan Space and San Francisco’s Loft Orbital, built Altair entirely within the UAE. The company’s manufacturing hub in Kezad economic zone can produce 50 satellites a year, featuring cleanrooms, thermal vacuum chambers and vibration tables for rigorous testing.
Dr Hamdullah Mohib, acting chief executive of Orbitworks and Marlan Space, said the launch marks a shift from importing to exporting space technology. We have been an importer of technologies. What this would mean is that we are, for the first time, exporting space technologies to nations that normally sell to us. What we’re building is like the App Store moment for satellites. — Dr Hamdullah Mohib, Orbitworks
Orbitworks plans to place ten Altair satellites in orbit by next year, forming a constellation that can capture images of a single location every three hours instead of once a day. Each satellite is fitted with Nvidia chips that process imagery on board, delivering intelligence rather than raw data within minutes of a command. The company claims it is among the first constellation operators worldwide to use such powerful on‑board computing.
The satellites have a wide range of commercial uses. Oil companies could monitor pipelines across thousands of kilometres without vehicles or drones. Insurers could assess flood damage within hours, while wildfire agencies could receive heat‑hazard warnings before a spark ignites. Defence and security users would benefit from a constellation that refreshes images of the Strait of Hormuz every three hours, providing persistent surveillance for governments and maritime operators.
The launch event drew Emirati astronauts Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammed Al Mulla, along with representatives from the UAE Space Agency, Space42 and the Edge Group. Dr Ahmad Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and chairman of the UAE Space Agency, also attended, underscoring the national significance of the mission.
Altair’s launch marks the UAE’s first foray as a provider of space technology, moving from a role of importing to exporting. The company’s vision, as articulated by Dr Mohib, is to create a global market for satellite services that rivals the launch of an app store for space.
With its advanced imaging, on‑board AI and planned constellation, Altair positions the UAE as a new player in the global space economy, offering Frequently asked questions What is Altair satellite Altair satellite is the UAE’s first home‑grown space asset, delivering near‑real‑time Earth images and on‑board AI processing.
When will Altair satellite launch
The launch is scheduled for this autumn from a Californian site, carrying the first UAE‑built satellite into a 500‑km orbit.
What is the purpose of Altair satellite
The Altair satellite will provide near‑real‑time images of Earth, with a wide range of commercial uses, including oil pipeline monitoring and flood damage assessment.
Who built the Altair satellite
The Altair satellite was built by Orbitworks, a joint venture between Abu Dhabi’s Marlan Space and San Francisco’s Loft Orbital, entirely within the UAE.
How many Altair satellites will be in orbit
Orbitworks plans to place ten Altair satellites in orbit by next year, forming a constellation that can capture images of a single location every three hours.
