Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), a subsidiary of Space42, is set to launch seven satellites as part of the UAE’s Earth Observation Space Programme. The first satellite, Foresight 1, was successfully launched last August.
Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Yahsat Satellite Services, announced on the sidelines of the start of trading on Space42 shares, following the merger between Bayanat and Yahsat, that discussions are underway to manufacture Earth observation satellites in the UAE. This aligns with the country’s vision to drive innovation and advance space technology.
Al Hashemi emphasized that Foresight-1 represents a significant achievement that reinforces the UAE’s global leadership in the space sector. It positions the UAE among the top 20 countries in the world actively operating and managing Earth observation satellites.
Space42 plans to launch the Thuraya 4 satellite by the end of this year, with Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5 scheduled for launch in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
“Space42 has become a pioneer in AI-powered space technology, addressing the rapidly evolving needs of the global space industry and offering advanced business intelligence solutions for governments, businesses, and communities,” Al Hashemi stated.
He added that the merger between Bayanat and Yahsat marks a significant leap and is the first of its kind globally. He anticipates that more companies will follow suit to create larger entities that integrate satellite communication services, geospatial analytics, and artificial intelligence.