The United Arab Emirates is taking a decisive step into the global space economy with the debut of its first domestically developed satellite constellation. Orbitworks, a joint venture between Marlan Space and Loft Orbital, has unveiled Altair, a ten-satellite, AI-enabled Earth-observation fleet that will be fully assembled and integrated in Abu Dhabi.
From vision to production line
Established in 2024, Orbitworks opened the Middle East’s first commercial satellite manufacturing facility in the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi. The 50,000-square-foot plant marks the UAE’s transition from satellite purchaser to sovereign manufacturer. Production of the Altair constellation is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2025, with the first satellite already moving through final assembly, integration and testing.
Technical capabilities of Altair
Each Altair satellite carries multiple sensors and onboard NVIDIA processors that deliver near real-time intelligence within minutes of capture. The constellation is designed to image any location on Earth every three hours, providing frequent, high-resolution data for government, commercial and research users. The name Altair, derived from the Arabic “al-ṭāʾir” meaning “the flying one,” reflects both heritage and ambition.
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US launch and Western market entry
In autumn 2026 the first Altair satellite will be shipped to a launch site in California. This marks the first time a fully UAE-built spacecraft will ride a Western rocket. The move signals the company’s intention to sell Altair data and services directly to Western customers, positioning the UAE as a competitive supplier in the global Earth-observation market.
Economic and strategic impact
The project forms part of the UAE’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and build sovereign capabilities in high-technology sectors. Backed by major Abu Dhabi investors including Royal Group and IHC, Orbitworks aims to capture a share of the space economy projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035. The constellation will support applications ranging from environmental monitoring and urban planning to defence and disaster response.
Regional leadership in space manufacturing
With Altair, the UAE becomes only the second country in the Middle East, after Israel, to develop and produce its own commercial satellite fleet. The achievement underscores the country’s rapid progress in space technology and its determination to move up the value chain from satellite operations to full manufacturing.
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Future outlook
By the end of the decade the full ten-satellite constellation is expected to be operational, delivering one of the most advanced Earth-observation systems manufactured in the region. Orbitworks continues to expand its Abu Dhabi facility and workforce, laying the foundation for additional constellations and export opportunities.