UAE’s Orbitworks launches AI-driven Altair Satellite Fleet Initiative
Orbitworks, a UAE-based satellite manufacturing venture, has announced the launch of its first AI-powered satellite fleet, named Altair. The constellation, consisting of ten advanced Earth observation satellites, will be assembled and integrated in Abu Dhabi. This announcement, made during the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ event, highlights the UAE’s strategic focus on boosting sovereign space capabilities and industrial self-reliance.
Altair takes its name from the Arabic al-nisr al-ṭāʾir, meaning “the flying eagle,” symbolising vision, elevation, and a connection to the Arabian Peninsula’s exploration heritage. Orbitworks, formed by Marlan Space in collaboration with Loft Orbital, marks this initiative as a foundational step toward the UAE’s long-term space ambitions.
Production is set to begin in the second half of 2025, with launches starting in 2026. According to Dr. Hamdullah Mohib, Acting CEO of Orbitworks and CEO of Marlan Space, Altair combines global aerospace knowledge with local innovation. He added that the project aligns with key national strategies such as ‘Operation 300bn,’ which encourages investment in critical sectors including aerospace, AI, and defense.
Built for Performance and National Impact
Each satellite in the Altair fleet will feature a robust multi-sensor payload. These include sub-meter optical, shortwave infrared, thermal, hyperspectral, and RF sensors. Additionally, onboard edge computing capabilities will enable real-time data processing directly in orbit, significantly enhancing responsiveness and reducing latency.
Notably, the satellites are based on Loft Orbital’s Longbow platform, derived from the proven Airbus Arrow bus used in over 650 missions. Designed to operate for up to eight years, they can perform sophisticated orbital maneuvers and deliver consistent high-performance output throughout their operational life.
Altair’s utility spans across diverse domains, supporting national security, emergency response, smart cities, energy, agriculture, and maritime surveillance. Thus, the constellation not only serves national priorities but also creates avenues for commercial innovation and international collaboration.
Scaling from Sovereignty to Global Reach
To realize its vision, Orbitworks will utilize a purpose-built, commercial-scale satellite production facility located in Kezad, Abu Dhabi. This is the region’s only such facility with the capacity to produce up to 50 satellites per year. As a result, the UAE is positioned to support both domestic space initiatives and global missions from a sovereign base.
In conclusion, with Altair, the UAE is not just expanding its presence in the space sector — it is shaping the future of it.
