Space 42: Localization of assembly and testing of satellites "Foresight" Within the Emirates, it reflects the transfer of knowledge into actual industrial capacity

Abu Dhabi, 7 May / WAM / Hassan Al Hosani, CEO of Smart Solutions at Space 42, confirmed that the company continues to translate the UAE’s ambitions in the space technology sector into integrated industrial, operational and sovereign capabilities within the country.

Al Hosani said, in statements to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, on the sidelines of “Make in the UAE 2026,” that the role of “Space 42” extends to building a system capable of designing, assembling, testing, and operating capabilities, and then converting the resulting data into practical insights that serve governments, companies, and vital sectors, while placing artificial intelligence at the heart of this system to transform space data into actionable decisions.

He added that the Foresight constellation represents a clear model of this trend, as the company began deploying advanced radar satellites within the Earth Observation Program, before gradually moving to localizing pivotal stages of the value chain within the UAE, including assembly, integration and testing.

He pointed out that the company launched the “Space 42 Space Industries Complex” in Abu Dhabi as the first center in the region to assemble, integrate and test Earth observation satellites, with the aim of localizing the design, assembly and testing of radar satellites.

He explained that the launch of the Foresight 3, Foresight 4 and Foresight 5 satellites, which are the first radar satellites to be integrated and tested within the UAE, reflects the transfer of knowledge into actual industrial capacity, and embodies the building of advanced national and sovereign capabilities in the field of Earth observation.

Regarding localization, Al Hosani said that “Space42” views localization as a gradual path to building knowledge and industrial capacity across the value chain, noting that the company has achieved tangible progress by transferring the assembly, integration and testing operations of the “Foresight 3”, “Foresight 4” and “Foresight 5” satellites to the UAE, where these operations were carried out within the “Space 42” space industries complex.

He added that the facility’s goal is not limited to supporting the Foresight constellation, but rather includes building local industrial skills, developing sustainable production capabilities, supporting local satellite programs, and opening the way in the future for the export of satellite-related equipment and services.

He explained that the company aims, in the coming years, to raise local content through three main paths, including expanding the scope of operations conducted within the country to include more advanced capabilities in design, development and operation, and building national and technical cadres capable of working with and developing these technologies, in addition to linking these capabilities to a broader system of industrial partners, government agencies and the private sector, in a way that enhances the UAE’s position as a regional center for developing, operating and exporting Earth observation solutions.

Regarding the role of artificial intelligence, Al Hosani said that its uses begin from the moment of data collection, as the company works through the “GIQ” Data Analysis Center to collect geospatial data from multiple sources, including satellites, high-altitude platforms, and ground sensors, then analyzes and transforms it into applicable insights to support areas such as disaster management, infrastructure monitoring, urban planning, national security, and the environment.

He added that these capabilities help governments and companies make more accurate and proactive decisions, and avoid any potential interruption in operations or vital services, which changes the nature of Earth observation uses from mere solutions for obtaining images or data to an integrated system that supports decision-making.

He pointed out that artificial intelligence contributes to accelerating data analysis, reducing reliance on manual processing, and improving users’ ability to detect changes, patterns and risks in a shorter time, in addition to allowing the construction of repeatable and expandable analytical models, which reflects on efficiency by accelerating the cycle of converting data into decisions, and on cost by improving the use of resources and reducing duplication.

Al Hosani stressed that this integrated industrial system contributes to building a sustainable technological base, by linking manufacturing, operation, data, artificial intelligence, and practical applications within a single value chain, transforming space capabilities into an industrial and knowledge base that supports the national economy, and enables the UAE to export advanced technological solutions to global markets.

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