emirates7 - Bayanat, a prominent provider of AI-driven geospatial solutions and a subsidiary of G42, announced that the recent launch of the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, "Foresight-1," marks a significant milestone, solidifying the UAE’s global leadership in the space sector as the first satellite under the UAE's Earth Observation Space Programme.

Hasan Al Hosani, Managing Director of Bayanat, informed the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the launch of Foresight-1 places the UAE among the elite group of 20 countries globally that operate SAR space assets. This achievement enhances the UAE's standing in the space sector and supports its expanding capabilities in this field.

Al Hosani highlighted that the strategic plan developed by Bayanat and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) involves deploying a constellation of SAR-equipped satellites in the near future. He noted that since the Earth Observation Space Programme was announced in 2023, both companies have been executing this strategic vision, beginning with the launch of the Foresight-1 satellite.

He further explained that the successful deployment of Foresight-1 now allows for the operation of space assets capable of repeatedly covering the Middle East region in record time. The Foresight-1 satellite stands out due to its ability to provide continuous, high-resolution monitoring using SAR technology, an active sensing system that illuminates the Earth’s surface and measures reflected signals to generate high-resolution images. Unlike traditional optical satellites, SAR satellites can capture images both day and night, regardless of weather conditions or sunlight reflection.

This advanced technology is set to improve the quality of geospatial solutions and services offered by Bayanat and Yahsat, while also bolstering capabilities in disaster management, marine monitoring, and smart mobility applications.

Al Hosani also noted that over 30 percent of the Earth Observation Space Programme's workforce is composed of Emirati nationals, reflecting the commitment to cultivating a highly skilled national workforce in this critical sector.

Regarding the anticipated merger between Bayanat and Yahsat, Al Hosani expects it to be finalized by the end of this year, pending final regulatory approvals both in the UAE and internationally. He emphasized that the merger will establish “Space42” as a leading Emirati company with a global presence in the space sector, aligning with the UAE's National Space Strategy 2030.

Al Hosani reaffirmed that Space42 will continue to pursue the objectives of the National Space Strategy 2030, supporting the UAE’s efforts to advance its space capabilities, bolster national security, foster innovation, promote international collaboration, drive economic growth, and enhance urban development through space technology.