Bayanat, Yahsat and ICEYE expand domestic Earth Observation satellite fleet to seven spacecraft covering the Middle East

Dubai — November 15, 2023

Bayanat (a leading provider of AI-powered geospatial solutions) and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (Yahsat – the UAE’s flagship satellite solutions provider) today announced the expansion of their ambitious Earth Observation (EO) space program from five to seven synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites.

The expansion of the constellation – with technology, training and expertise provided by program partner, ICEYE, a global leader in SAR satellite development – means that orbiting satellites will revisit the Middle East more frequently, enabling Bayanat and Yahsat to deliver near real-time, high-definition images of on-the-ground conditions across the Middle East as they execute their plan to serve domestic and international customers with advanced geospatial intelligence. 

Using radar signals rather than light, the SAR satellite images deliver persistent monitoring of specific locations on the earth’s surface – day and night, through the clouds, and multiple times per day – and enable government and business customers to detect detailed changes on the ground. Typical applications include identifying oil spills; monitoring maritime activities, for instance illegal fishing or encroachment into territorial areas; and surveillance activity at ports. These capabilities are applicable to organizations across a wide range of sectors – insurance, national security, and climate change monitoring among others. 

Hasan Al Hosani, Managing Director, Bayanat, said: “The decision to expand the SAR satellite fleet is one more milestone for both Bayanat and the UAE as we lay down the foundations of the New Space economy. Developing our technological prowess as we build out a domestic SAR satellite industry will help to diversify our economy, generate high-tech jobs and bolster our strategic independence.”

Ali Al Hashemi, Group CEO of Yahsat, said: “As the pioneer of the space sector in the UAE, we are proud of our role in this partnership as we extend the nation’s capabilities, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in the space sector across the MENA region and actively contributing to the implementation of the UAE space strategy. Yahsat has business and government customers around the globe supported by our world-class satellite communications infrastructure covering 80% of the world’s population. Reaffirming our extensive experience, today’s announcement further accelerates this program as we develop satellite imaging and Earth observation capabilities.” 

As part of this space programme that was announced in May this year, Yahsat and Bayanat confirmed the ‘go live’ of their own satellite radar imaging service through capacity from ICEYE’s fleet of satellites until the launch of the programme’s first satellite. This development constitutes the first step in the provision of customer-ready commercial services. 

The first commercial services have become fully operational just months after the program was announced reflecting the speed and agility of this emerging space sector. Based in Helsinki, ICEYE has deployed 31 SAR satellites since 2018, and its superior technology provides its partners with a vast range and control of surface imaging — from ground resolution of 50 centimetres through to expansive views up to 50,000 square kilometres distance. ‘This collaboration is expected to improve revenue generating capabilities for Bayanat while utilising economies of scale through synergies in procurement and streamlining data acquisition capabilities.’

Rafal Modrzewski, CEO of ICEYE, said: “With dedicated access to ICEYE's existing fleet and the ongoing manufacture of Bayanat and Yahsat's own SAR satellite constellation, extending our collaboration is another step forward in the UAE's rapidly developing space capabilities. Our deep, comprehensive partnership goes way beyond hardware and represents our commitment to supporting Bayanat, Yahsat and the wider UAE to become space technology producers.”