Space42’s radar satellites to provide all-weather, day-and-night Earth data.
Abu Dhabi: The UAE is taking steps to secure its own “round-the-clock” satellite view of Earth using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
The Abu Dhabi-based AI-powered space technology company Space42 is turning to advanced radar technology to monitor key locations regardless of weather conditions or time of day.
“With SAR technology, you can monitor what’s happening at any time and at any location we want to capture and image,” said Christos Kolimenakis, Chief Executive Officer of ICEYE UAE, speaking to the media at Space42’s headquarters.
First building block
According to official reports, the Foresight Earth Observation (EO) constellation will comprise five SAR satellites, enabling continuous data collection and decision-grade geospatial intelligence.
Unlike optical imaging, SAR can capture images through clouds, haze and dust, providing governments and businesses with a continuous stream of data to detect and monitor changes on the ground.
“Foresight for us is really the first building block of what we would like to do next as partners,” he added, describing it as a foundation for building a broader UAE-based ecosystem and localising capabilities around the constellation.
“In 2027, we will be launching the next batch to complete the Foresight constellation,” said Abdullah Sharif, Senior Manager, Foresight Constellation, Space42.
A strategic asset
With dozens of similar satellites already deployed globally and more being added, revisit times are shrinking from days to hours. The shorter interval between images allows authorities to detect patterns and changes more quickly, helping decision-makers respond faster and with greater confidence.
“This is a big difference between a new technology and a new way of operating that technology versus legacy technology and legacy players operating it,” Kolimenakis added.
But the impact goes beyond faster access to imagery. As Earth observation becomes more responsive and capable, it is also emerging as a strategic asset.
Space sovereignty with Space42
Kolimenakis, Abdullah Sharif and Viktor Stoyanov, COO of Smart Solutions at Space42, emphasised that these capabilities are increasingly being viewed as a matter of sovereignty.
According to Kolimenakis, they can allow countries to reduce reliance on external imagery providers while developing local expertise, research partnerships and supply chains in the growing space and Earth observation sector.
