In a major milestone for the UAE’s space ambitions, Space42 has shipped three advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, Foresight-3, Foresight-4, and Foresight-5, from its Space Systems facility in Abu Dhabi to the United States. The development marks a significant step in the UAE’s pursuit of sovereign space capabilities and its goal to become a global leader in satellite innovation and geospatial intelligence.

Developed in partnership with ICEYE, a global leader in SAR satellite operations, the satellites were fully integrated and tested at Space42’s Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) facility in Abu Dhabi, marking the first time such activities have been completed within the UAE. This achievement aligns with the UAE’s National Space Strategy 2030, advancing domestic manufacturing, engineering excellence, and technological self-reliance.

Khalid Al Awadhi, SVP Earth Observation Systems at Space42, said, “This is a proud moment for Space42 and the UAE. 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. These satellites will expand our Foresight Constellation, deepen our sovereign capability, and reaffirm the UAE’s leadership in the next generation of AI-powered Space Technology.”

Once operational, Foresight-3, Foresight-4, and Foresight-5 will join the existing Foresight Constellation, delivering 25-centimeter resolution imagery in all weather conditions. The constellation will support a wide range of applications, from disaster response to urban planning, powered by Space42’s AI platform, GIQ.

With five satellites expected to be in orbit by early 2026 and full operational capability anticipated by 2027, Space42 is strengthening its position as a leading provider of rapid, high-resolution Earth observation data and a key driver of the UAE’s growing space economy.