UAE’s Yahsat, Bayanat partner to develop in-country space programme

Abu Dhabi G42-owned Bayanat and UAE’s Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) have signed a preliminary agreement to develop an in-country space programme.

We’re partnering up with @Bayanatg42 to develop an in-country #space program for #EarthObservation in the UAE!

We’re excited to combine our expertise in space technology with Bayanat’s strengths in #RemoteSensing and data analytics to further enhance national capabilities. pic.twitter.com/ihREHdfiWJ

— yahsat (@yahsatofficial) February 23, 2023

The strategic partnership, announced at IDEX on Thursday, aims at establishing and operating strategic earth observation partnership within the UAE. This would include synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and optical imagery satellite capabilities.

The MoU brings together “Bayanat’s expertise in remote sensing capabilities and data analytics, and Yahsat’s proven capabilities spanning satellite space technology”, Bayanat said in a statement.

Abu Dhabi-based Bayanat is a provider of AI-powered geospatial solutions, while Yahsat is a ADX-listed satellite solutions provider.

Read: Mubadala’s satellite group Yahsat IPO raises $731m

We are pleased to announce that Bayanat and @yahsatofficial have signed an MOU to develop an in-country space program for earth observation, which will include Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and optical imagery satellite solutions. pic.twitter.com/IJmAEk5dXs

— Bayanat.AI (@Bayanatg42) February 23, 2023

“Yahsat has been a long-standing partner for Bayanat. Our remote sensing capabilities perfectly complement Yahsat’s space capabilities and will serve to create synergies in earth observation capabilities,” said Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Bayanat.

Bayanat  provides numerous applications for earth observation through its proprietary capabilities and via a portfolio of remote-sensing partners. Meanwhile, Yahsat has expertise in remote sensing technology and earth observation – driven through space systems engineering, spacecraft conceptual design and development, ground segment engineering integration and satellite fleet mission control infrastructure alongside user-segment design, the statement added.

Also read: Abu Dhabi’s Group 42 acquires Bayanat

“We look forward to our partnership with Bayanat to further expand the scope and services available within the remote sensing and earth observation segment in the UAE,” added Ali Al Hashemi, group CEO of Yahsat.

“This agreement will further establish the nation as a global hub for space science and technology and is aligned with our strategy to prioritise segments with strong anticipated growth and development.”

Last year, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, Hub71 and Yahsat announced a collaboration to accelerate startup technology adoption in satellite communications.

Read: Hub71, Yahsat partner to advance UAE’s mobile satellite capabilities