GITAI completes space demo of in-house developed 16U satellite
The mission was designed to showcase GITAI's role as a prime contractor with expertise in in-house spacecraft development and operational management. The GITAI SC1 satellite. Photo credit: GITAI
Space robotics startup GITAI has announced the launch and mission completion of its first 16U-sized satellite. The satellite, developed entirely in-house, was launched into low Earth orbit aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 on December 21, 2024, as part of the Bandwagon 2 rideshare mission. GITAI declared 'Full Success' for the mission, having achieved all three of its technical verification criteria.
The satellites success validates GITAI's commitment to drastically reducing the cost of space operations by a factor of 100. The company is pioneering advanced technologies, including robotic satellites for on-orbit services, lunar rovers for infrastructure construction and versatile inchworm-like robotic arms. These technologies, designed and produced in-house, represent GITAIs focus on innovation and cost efficiency.
Since its founding, GITAI has developed a robust system for creating space-grade robotics, including a robotic arm that demonstrated mission success inside the International Space Station (ISS) in 2021 and outside the ISS in 2024. In January 2024, GITAI expanded into satellite development, creating the SC1 satellite to provide a platform for comprehensive on-orbit services.
Building on this success, GITAI plans to demonstrate rendezvous and docking capabilities in 2026 as part of its Space Demonstration Experiment (S3). This mission will feature a 500kg-class satellite equipped with a robotic arm and a target satellite, further showcasing the companys on-orbit service capabilities.
The SC1 mission has also validated GITAI's ability to design and produce space-qualified components (TRL-9) in-house, such as propulsion systems, reaction wheels and star trackers. By developing high-cost, long-lead-time components internally by 2025, GITAI aims to cut costs, shorten timelines and improve profit margins.
The company remains focused on securing contracts from US government agencies while advancing its mission to revolutionise space operations through cost-effective on-orbit services and lunar infrastructure solutions.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hi Dubai
5 hours ago
- Hi Dubai
Hamdan bin Mohammed Strengthens UAE Space Sector with Startup Collaboration Push
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Supreme Space Council, has reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to becoming a global leader in the space industry by meeting with top executives from emerging space startups operating in the country. Held in the UAE, the meeting brought together representatives from pioneering companies across the local space sector, including those developing AI systems, Earth observation microsatellites, reusable launch systems, and IoT-driven space technologies. The session focused on boosting public-private collaboration, fostering innovation, and expanding global competitiveness. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that strategic partnerships and innovation are vital to building a future-ready and sustainable space ecosystem. He praised the role of UAE-based entrepreneurs in driving industry growth and highlighted the sector's significance in powering long-term economic development. Participants outlined their investment strategies, current projects, and plans for international expansion, aligning with the UAE's vision of a diversified and technology-driven economy. They commended the country's regulatory flexibility and infrastructure, noting the value of initiatives such as the Space Economic Zones Programme. The meeting was attended by key figures in the space ecosystem, including Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Space Council, and leaders of companies like Rimal, 4EI, Marlan Space, Aliensense, Oryx Space, and Aspire Space Technology. With over three decades of national investment in space technologies, the UAE continues to position itself as a hub for innovation, talent, and high-impact collaboration, setting the stage for the next chapter in its journey beyond Earth. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Gulf Today
15 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Space sector key to future and sustainable growth in UAE, says Sheikh Hamdan
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Supreme Space Council, met with representatives of leading space sector startups operating in the UAE. The meeting is part of Sheikh Hamdan's keenness to advance the national space ecosystem and further promote its role as a global leader in the space industry. Sheikh Hamdan underscored the importance of strong partnerships and strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors as a foundation for developing an advanced and innovative space ecosystem. He highlighted that continuous innovation and long-term investment in future technologies are essential to this progress. Sheikh Hamdan also expressed confidence in the capabilities of UAE-based companies and entrepreneurs, noting their crucial role in driving the growth of the local space industry and strengthening the country's position as a leading global hub in this strategic field. Sheikh Hamdan also highlighted the space sector as a vital driver of the future and sustainable economic growth. He stressed the UAE's ongoing efforts to build a supportive environment that fosters the growth of national companies and unlock new opportunities for investment and innovation, boosting the country's global competitiveness and leadership in space. The private sector is leading the space scene in the UAE, reaffirming the maturity of national investments that have been established over the past three decades. A number of the UAE-based companies took part in the meeting, representing a wide range of specialisations, including locally developed Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, artificial intelligence and remote sensing, commercial space ecosystem development, edge computing for robotics applications, high-resolution Earth observation via microsatellites, as well as AI systems, robotics, interactive simulation technologies, and reusable space launch systems. Participants shared insights into their current projects, long-term strategies, and future investment plans in support of the national economy. Discussions focused on strengthening public-private collaboration, expanding operations both locally and internationally, and exploring promising opportunities within the UAE's growing space sector—highlighting the private sector's central role in shaping a globally competitive and integrated space industry. Company representatives reaffirmed their commitment to the UAE's space ambitions and outlined plans to expand their operations within the country. They praised the UAE's flexible regulatory framework and advanced infrastructure as key enablers of sustained investment. Attendees also welcomed initiatives such as the Space Economic Zones Programme, which they said play a vital role in enabling collaboration and fostering long-term, sustainable growth across the space ecosystem. The meeting was attended by Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, Secretary-General of the Supreme Space Council, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Space Agency; Khalid Al Awadi, founder of Rimal; Ibrahim Al Obaidly, founder of Ardhiyat Al Ibdaa Information Solutions; David Critchley, CEO of 4EI; Dr Hamdullah Mohib, CEO of Marlan Space; Alex Lapir, CEO of Aliensense; Abdulhalim Jallad, co-founder of Oryx Space; and Stan Rudenko, CEO of Aspire Space Technology. WAM
Sharjah 24
18 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
Dubai CP explores future of space sector with UAE-based startups
Underscored the importance of strong partnerships and strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors His Highness Sheikh Hamdan underscored the importance of strong partnerships and strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors as a foundation for developing an advanced and innovative space ecosystem. He highlighted that continuous innovation and long-term investment in future technologies are essential to this progress. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan also expressed confidence in the capabilities of UAE-based companies and entrepreneurs, noting their crucial role in driving the growth of the local space industry and strengthening the country's position as a leading global hub in this strategic field. Space sector as a vital driver of the future and sustainable economic growth His Highness Sheikh Hamdan also highlighted the space sector as a vital driver of the future and sustainable economic growth. He stressed the UAE's ongoing efforts to build a supportive environment that fosters the growth of national companies and unlock new opportunities for investment and innovation, boosting the country's global competitiveness and leadership in space. The private sector is leading the space scene in the UAE, reaffirming the maturity of national investments that have been established over the past three decades A number of the UAE based companies took part in the meeting, representing a wide range of specialisations, including locally developed Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, artificial intelligence and remote sensing, commercial space ecosystem development, edge computing for robotics applications, high-resolution Earth observation via microsatellites, as well as AI systems, robotics, interactive simulation technologies, and reusable space launch systems. Participants shared insights Participants shared insights into their current projects, long-term strategies, and future investment plans in support of the national economy. Discussions focused on strengthening public-private collaboration, expanding operations both locally and internationally, and exploring promising opportunities within the UAE's growing space sector—highlighting the private sector's central role in shaping a globally competitive and integrated space industry. Company representatives reaffirmed their commitment to the UAE's space ambitions and outlined plans to expand their operations within the country. They praised the UAE's flexible regulatory framework and advanced infrastructure as key enablers of sustained investment. Attendees also welcomed initiatives such as the Space Economic Zones Programme, which they said play a vital role in enabling collaboration and fostering long-term, sustainable growth across the space ecosystem. Attendees The meeting was attended by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports, Secretary-General of the Supreme Space Council, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Space Agency; Khalid Al Awadi, founder of Rimal; Ibrahim Al Obaidly, founder of Ardhiyat Al Ibdaa Information Solutions; David Critchley, CEO of 4EI; Dr. Hamdullah Mohib, CEO of Marlan Space; Alex Lapir, CEO of Aliensense; Abdulhalim Jallad, co-founder of Oryx Space; and Stan Rudenko, CEO of Aspire Space Technology.
