UAE firms will build 50 AI satellites in Abu Dhabi for a $1B France-led space project. This mission aims to process satellite data directly in orbit for significantly faster alerts.
The companies announced the Altair-Next Gen program at the International Space Summit in Paris, where the deal was signed in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron. The project is designed to serve government and commercial customers across France, Europe, the UAE and other markets.
Also Read: Majestic Mind Games Raises $1.45M for Global Expansion
The first 50 satellites will be manufactured by Orbitworks at its purpose-built facility in KEZAD, Abu Dhabi. Orbitworks was established in 2024 as a joint venture between Marlan Space and Loft Orbital and designs, builds, tests and operates commercial satellite systems from the UAE.
Advancements in AI Satellites
The initial Altair-Next Gen constellation will carry optical, radar and other sensors. Unlike conventional satellite systems that send raw imagery to Earth for processing, the new satellites will analyze what they observe in orbit and transmit events or alerts instead.
This could reduce the time between detecting an event and receiving an alert from hours to seconds, according to the companies. The first applications will focus on maritime monitoring, wildfire detection, disaster response, and the protection of ports and other critical infrastructure.
Global Collaboration and Infrastructure
The satellites will serve French, European and Emirati government users, alongside commercial and sovereign customers globally. The infrastructure will be held through a dedicated French company, combining UAE manufacturing and investment capabilities with European space expertise.
Orbitworks' KEZAD facility is designed to support the program's expansion from 10 satellites to 50. The company operates a 50,000-square-foot facility that includes a 15,000-square-foot cleanroom and testing infrastructure for spacecraft weighing up to 500 kilograms.
Go deeper on GCC & Africa tech — $9.99/month.
Deep dives and investor insights the free digest doesn't cover.
Technical Partnerships
Loft Orbital will contribute satellite technology, onboard AI capabilities, mission infrastructure and operational expertise. The company says it currently operates more than 100 payloads and 20 AI missions in orbit.
French AI company Mistral is also part of the broader program, with its AI models expected to run onboard the satellites. BlackSky has separately been selected to provide high-resolution optical satellites for the constellation.
The first launch is expected in October 2026, according to current reporting. A full launch schedule for the constellation has not yet been announced.
The announcement comes shortly after Abu Dhabi-listed International Holding Company (IHC) agreed to acquire an 80% stake in Marlan Space. The deal strengthens IHC's exposure to deep technology and the emerging commercial space economy.
Marlan Space is the space investment arm of IHC, led by Dr. Hamdullah Mohib, who also serves as CEO of Orbitworks.
Why It Matters to MENA
The Altair-Next Gen project demonstrates how the UAE is transitioning from satellite ownership to building and operating local space infrastructure. Manufacturing these systems in Abu Dhabi could strengthen the country's capabilities in satellite engineering and advanced computing.
For MENA, the bigger story is the convergence of AI, sovereign infrastructure, and space technology. Abu Dhabi is positioning its industrial base to manufacture the hardware and develop the technology that powers next-generation space services.
Engagement
