SES signs multi-launch agreement with Impulse Space
Selected missions will lift off aboard a medium-class rocket to LEO, where Impulses high-energy Helios kick stage will then carry each SES satellite to higher orbits within hours.
Impulse Space, a leader in in-space mobility, has signed a multi-launch agreement with satellite operator SES to utilise its Helios kick stage system to reduce the time required for SES satellites to reach their final orbital destinations. The partnership will enable SES to move its payloads directly from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to high-energy orbits, such as Geostationary Orbit (GEO) or Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), within hours rather than months.
The first mission under this agreement is slated for 2027 and will see a 4-ton-class SES satellite launched via a medium-lift rocket into LEO before being swiftly transferred by Helios to GEO in under eight hours. This mission will mark the first commercial deployment dedicated solely to Helios, showcasing its full performance capabilities. The deal also leaves room for additional missions, allowing SES greater flexibility and speed in deploying satellites on demand.
Traditionally, satellite operators targeting MEO or GEO have been limited to either costly and scarce heavy-lift rockets or extended, slow transfers using electric propulsion systems. Helios presents a new optionusing chemical propulsion to transport satellites directly and rapidly to their target orbits, transforming the traditional satellite deployment model.
Commenting on the launch agreement, Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES, said: 'At SES, we are firm believers that co-development and collaboration with our partners will help the space industry to evolve and quicken the pace of innovation. Today, were not only partnering with Impulse to bring our satellites faster to orbit, but this will also allow us to extend their lifetime and accelerate service delivery to our customers. Were proud to become Helios first dedicated commercial mission.'
Helios responsive capabilities and powerful engine enable mission operators to designand pricesatellites based on their specific operational orbit. This paradigm shift can simplify mission planning and decrease satellite mass, resulting in lower overall mission costs, while improving operational timelines.
Tom Mueller, founder and CEO of Impulse Space, added: 'We believe MEO and GEO play a critical role in the space economy, but operators today face the challenges of slow, expensive, and inflexible access to these essential orbits. Helios changes thatits built to move large payloads to high-energy orbits quickly and reliably. SES has a long history of embracing innovation and pushing our industry forward, and were proud theyve chosen Helios to support the next phase of their deployment strategy.'
This marks the first commercial contract for a dedicated Helios missionwhere a single, 4-ton-class payload will fully leverage the vehicles performance capabilities for direct transport to GEO.
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Broadcast Pro
7 days ago
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SES signs multi-launch agreement with Impulse Space
Selected missions will lift off aboard a medium-class rocket to LEO, where Impulses high-energy Helios kick stage will then carry each SES satellite to higher orbits within hours. Impulse Space, a leader in in-space mobility, has signed a multi-launch agreement with satellite operator SES to utilise its Helios kick stage system to reduce the time required for SES satellites to reach their final orbital destinations. The partnership will enable SES to move its payloads directly from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to high-energy orbits, such as Geostationary Orbit (GEO) or Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), within hours rather than months. The first mission under this agreement is slated for 2027 and will see a 4-ton-class SES satellite launched via a medium-lift rocket into LEO before being swiftly transferred by Helios to GEO in under eight hours. This mission will mark the first commercial deployment dedicated solely to Helios, showcasing its full performance capabilities. The deal also leaves room for additional missions, allowing SES greater flexibility and speed in deploying satellites on demand. Traditionally, satellite operators targeting MEO or GEO have been limited to either costly and scarce heavy-lift rockets or extended, slow transfers using electric propulsion systems. Helios presents a new optionusing chemical propulsion to transport satellites directly and rapidly to their target orbits, transforming the traditional satellite deployment model. Commenting on the launch agreement, Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES, said: 'At SES, we are firm believers that co-development and collaboration with our partners will help the space industry to evolve and quicken the pace of innovation. Today, were not only partnering with Impulse to bring our satellites faster to orbit, but this will also allow us to extend their lifetime and accelerate service delivery to our customers. Were proud to become Helios first dedicated commercial mission.' Helios responsive capabilities and powerful engine enable mission operators to designand pricesatellites based on their specific operational orbit. This paradigm shift can simplify mission planning and decrease satellite mass, resulting in lower overall mission costs, while improving operational timelines. Tom Mueller, founder and CEO of Impulse Space, added: 'We believe MEO and GEO play a critical role in the space economy, but operators today face the challenges of slow, expensive, and inflexible access to these essential orbits. Helios changes thatits built to move large payloads to high-energy orbits quickly and reliably. SES has a long history of embracing innovation and pushing our industry forward, and were proud theyve chosen Helios to support the next phase of their deployment strategy.' This marks the first commercial contract for a dedicated Helios missionwhere a single, 4-ton-class payload will fully leverage the vehicles performance capabilities for direct transport to GEO.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
Rise of fintech: Reshaping Islamic Finance for global inclusivity
Fintech is poised to significantly reshape Islamic finance by enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and innovation while aligning with Shariah principles and will bridge gaps for the unbanked and underbanked, especially in developing countries with large Muslim populations, experts say. Leading executives, bankers and analysts said platforms like mobile banking, P2P lending, and crowdfunding will provide Shariah-compliant solutions such as microfinance and digital zakat or waqf systems, addressing the $2.5 trillion sustainable development goals funding gap. In addition, blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things will streamline processes and ensure Shariah compliance, enhance transparency and trust, making risk-sharing models like Mudarabah more accessible. 'Fintech will drive Islamic finance towards greater inclusivity, efficiency, and global reach by 2030, leveraging technologies to meet ethical and Shariah-compliant demands. However, success depends on addressing regulatory, literacy, and security challenges while fostering partnerships between traditional institutions and fintech innovators,' according to experts. Jamal Saleh, Director-General, UAE Banks Federation, said the UAE banks are playing a leading role in meeting the growing requirements for Shariah-compliant financial and banking services as well as sukuk issuances, which are witnessing rapid growth. Since the establishment of the world's first Islamic bank in the UAE in 1970s, he said the country has been strengthening its position as a regional and global centre for Islamic banking. 'Accounting for more than 20% of gross banks' credit in the country, and investments of more than Dh150 billion in 2024, UAE's Islamic banks are at the forefront of digitalisation. Smart platforms and solutions integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain to enhance customer experience while ensuring Shariah compliance,' Saleh told BTR. He said fintech has spurred mobile banking, instant financing, and transparent blockchain-based contracts for Shariah-compliant financial and banking services as well as automating Shariah compliance. 'The UAE's Islamic banks use AI for compliance checks, validating Murabaha agreements, blockchain smart contracts to automate Mudaraba agreements, ensuring transparency and reducing disputes, and machine learning to design ethical investment portfolios aligned with users' risk tolerance and Shariah,' he said. Fitch Ratings views the UAE as a key hub for Islamic finance, with Islamic financing accounting for 29% of total sector financing during the January-June 2024 period as it noticed that financing growth was slightly higher in first half (5.7%) compared to conventional banks (5.3%) despite conventional banks' strong government links. The rating agency expects Islamic banks to continue to grow faster than their conventional peers over the medium term. 'Favourable operating conditions forv 2024 and 2025 should support UAE Islamic banks strong credit fundamentals,' according to Fitch Ratings. Capitalising on Fintech Saleh was of the view that fintech is already helping Islamic banks to develop and promote Shariah-compliant products and services. 'By leveraging AI, blockchain, and data analytics, Islamic banks in the UAE are developing innovative products. Their digital-first strategies are meant to meet all the expectations of customers. 'Many leading Islamic banks are capitalising on fintech to meet the demand for seamless, modern, and secure banking experience while adhering to of Shariah-compliant banking principles. This trend is poised to continue in the coming years in line with Central Bank of the UAE's digital transformation strategy. The UAE's progressive regulatory frameworks, high level of technological adoption, and global partnerships enable the Islamic banks to innovate, grow, and thrive,' he said. Factors Driving Fintech Saleh said Islamic banks are increasingly adopting fintech, balancing between meeting customers' demands and expectations, on one side, and adherence to Shariah principles, on the other side. 'There are many factors driving fintech integration in day-to-day banking such as the regulatory frameworks and initiatives which provide support to further accelerate digital transformation, like the FinTech Office that was launched by Central Bank of the UAE in 2020 as part of its fintech and digital transformation strategy, which is aimed at building a mature ecosystem to position the UAE as the fintech hub regionally and globally. He opined that fintech also enables Islamic banks to automate Shariah compliance checks and develop products like blockchain-based sukuk and AI-driven takaful, ensuring transparency and alignment with Shariah principles. 'Financial inclusion and social responsibility are among the key factors influencing Islamic banks to adopt fintech as they are offering microfinance and other banking solutions via digital platforms, targeting underbanked segments/population.' To a question, he said fintech is poised to significantly elevate Islamic banking by enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and compliance with Shariah principles. 'Customers are moving to digital-first solutions, and Islamic banks and finance houses are addressing this by enhancing their digital and smart offerings. 'From digital onboarding by using AI-driven and blockchain-based KYC and identity verification to simplify account opening, to green finance, risk management, and investment products and solutions, Islamic banks are accelerating the transitions towards smart banking and finance,' he said. He said it is expected to witness a noticeable growth in using AI-powered screening to further automate Shariah compliance checks, blockchain smart contracts for Mudaraba and Ijara agreements, inclusive banking, sukuk issuance, and sustainable underwriting. In addition, fintech will play a greater role in operational efficiency and risk management. 'Metaverse could also be expected to influence the future of Islamic banks. Supported by agile regulatory frameworks and the proactive approach of our Central Bank of the UAE, fintechs should be able to innovate in a secure environment,' he said. A Growing sector Areeb Siddiqui, Founder and CEO at Kestrl, said Islamic fintech is poised to continued expansion across the globe. Referring to people interest in Islamic finance, which is visible as evidenced by new funding vehicles and venture capital allocations, he said the growing sector covers a wide range of customers and financial needs through several emerging technologies. 'I'm incredibly optimistic for this industry of Islamic fintech. The amount of talent that I'm seeing coming from the youth, in particular, people leaving corporate jobs behind or coming straight out of university to start their own businesses within this space incredibly heartening to see,' Siddiqui told BTR. 'Taking the lessons, they've learned from large corporations all over the world. We're seeing that in the UK and the US, but even Pakistan, I'm incredibly proud to see what's going on in Pakistan and how many people are trying to solve this solution. So, I couldn't be more optimistic for the future,' he said. Kestrl was declared the first runner up of the Ethical Finance Innovation Challenge and Awards (EFICA) and awarded Dh75,000 cash prize. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), in partnership with the London Stock Exchange Group, shortlisted Malaysia-based MADCash, the UK-based Kestrl, and Ethiopia-based Kifiya Financial Technology for the seventh EFICA awards from 150 global applicants. Kestrl, a UK-based fintech supporting over 1.2 million Muslims globally in managing and growing their wealth in line with Islamic finance principles, aims at building a true alternative to the conventional banking system to benefit real people and real economy instead of faceless financial organisations. It offers a platform that helps Muslims to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs. Siddiqui, a Cambridge MBA with a background in consulting and risk advisory at Deloitte and PwC, sees some challenges for Islamic finance and said fundraising has always been a major issue for the sector. 'A lot of conventional finances see this as a niche, which is bizarre given that we are a two billion population. The other side is regulation, but I'm seeing more and more countries bringing down regulations to allow innovation, particularly in the Muslim world. In Pakistan, we saw five new digital banks; in Malaysia, the same; in the UAE we're seeing more and more, and Saudi Arabia has a huge influx of foreign direct investment, which is really growing the space. So, I think the Muslim world is where it's going to be at for the next 10 or 20 years, In Sha Allah,' said Siddiqui, a specialist in working with banks and wealth managers in the digital space. To a question, he said the UAE has been one of the best places for Islamic fintech evolution, from the DIFC all the way to Abu Dhabi Global Market. 'Even in places like Ajman and Sharjah, all of them are running their own incredible business centres and accelerator schemes. So, fintech is really spoiled for choice when it comes to fundraising and where to set up an office,' he said. Bright Prospects Ahead Faisal Islam, Head of Digital Islamic Finance at Kifiya Financial Technology, sees bright prospects for Islamic finance due to its rising demand across the world. 'I would just like to say that the future is only for Islamic finance because of the risk-sharing model as well as growing appetite from the Muslims. So, it holds the future that we must follow and develop Shariah-compliant products to cater to the rising demand,' Islam told BTR on the sidelines of the seventh EFICA awrads held in Dubai recently. Kifiya was the second runner up of the EFICA and awarded Dh75,000 cash prize. Malaysia-based MADCash won the first prize of Dh300,000. Faisal Islam said the Islamic finance industry has struggled to realise its potential owed to several challenges, including regulatory gaps and lack of adoption stemming from limited awareness and education. 'The challenges are huge because people are used to doing the banking the conventional way. It has been around for 300 years while Islamic banking has just arrived. It's a very new concept with only 70 to 75 years old history. So, the challenge is just the adoption. I cannot see any challenge beyond this because it's just about adoption. We are working on tools to help the people and industry, so Islamic finance gets inclusion and traction,' he said. He said Africa is home to a burgeoning Muslim customer base, which presents significant demand for Islamic finance products and services. About the UAE's role in promoting Islamic fintech, he said the UAE is always at a forefront for innovative and tech initiatives and has developed a strong tech ecosystem in the country. 'Like these EFICA awards, the most prestigious awards in the history of Islamic finance, the UAE has been playing a very active role in promoting Islamic finance. It is connecting people together and doing a lot of good work for this growing sector. And of course, Dubai Islamic Bank and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, they are always contributing to the halal economy,' Faisal Islam said. Founded in 2010, Addis Ababa-based Kifiya Financial Technology is pioneering in developing Shariah-compliant digital financing products in Ethiopia as it simplifies complex financial services, bridging the digital divide and fostering financial and market inclusion across Ethiopia. The company offers a diverse portfolio of services in payments, agriculture, micro-insurance, and mobility. Kifiya's mission is to leverage AI driven data and technology for social good, creating a more inclusive and sustainable future. Revolutionising Islamic Banking The Abu Dhabi-based ADIB said advanced technologies like artificial intelligence are transforming financial services and Islamic finance is no different. The second largest Islamic lender in the UAE noticed that Shariah-compliant fintechs are emerging to serve customers and extend financial services to the underbanked. 'Islamic fintech seamlessly integrates Shariah compliance with digital financial solutions, providing customers with easier access to savings, investments, takaful, and financing options that align with Islamic principles,' an ADIB Spokesperson told BTR. 'At ADIB, we believe in partnering with fintech firms and accelerating the development of digital solutions that cater to the evolving needs of our customers. This is why we launched ADIB Ventures, a strategic initiative designed to drive innovation and collaboration within the global financial technology sector. 'Through ADIB Ventures, we aim to build a robust ecosystem by connecting with emerging fintech players and integrating advanced technologies, including Generative AI, to enhance the banking experience for around 1.5 million customers,' the Spokesperson said. Fintech is set to be a major enabler of Islamic banking's next phase of growth, making Shariah-compliant financial products more accessible and appealing to a wider audience. It will allow Islamic banks to reach a larger customer base, including the unbanked and underbanked, thereby enhancing financial inclusion. 'At ADIB, we are committed to partnering with fintech firms across various areas, including automating processes to reduce manual intervention. We are also exploring AI-driven tools for risk assessment and fraud management. For example, we collaborated with Lune, an Emirati fintech company, to launch the region's first personal finance management tool — the ADIB Money Management Tracker. This innovative solution empowers customers with greater control and insight over their financial activities. We are also fostering innovation through initiatives like the EFICA, which recognises fintech solutions that promote ethical banking and financial inclusion. As customer expectations evolve, fintech will continue to shape a more dynamic and inclusive Islamic banking sector.' Fintech Adoption Rising The ADIB Spokesperson said several key factors are driving Islamic banks toward fintech adoption. First, customers increasingly demand seamless, digital-first experiences, prompting banks to modernise their services. Second, regulators across the region are encouraging digital transformation, creating an environment conducive to fintech-driven growth. Additionally, banks are focused on enhancing efficiency, expanding financial inclusion, and improving compliance. 'Fintech adoption supports these objectives by automating banking processes, streamlining financing approvals, and reducing paperwork and manual intervention. From an operational standpoint, automation lowers costs, improves efficiency, and allows banks to scale their services more effectively,' the spokesperson said. Moreover, fintech presents opportunities for Islamic banks to expand into new markets by offering cross-border Shariah-compliant financial solutions. 'ADIB has been at the forefront of this shift, developing API-driven banking solutions and launching innovative digital products such as ADIB Pay and open banking initiatives, reinforcing our commitment to pioneering fintech adoption in the Islamic banking sector.' Reshaping Jobs Role While automation and AI-powered solutions streamline banking operations, they reshape job roles rather than replace them. The key challenge is ensuring that employees are reskilled to manage AI-driven tools and digital banking platforms. 'Islamic banks, including ADIB, are investing in talent development programmes to equip employees with essential digital skills. Additionally, the rapid adoption of fintech introduces challenges related to cybersecurity and regulatory compliance, which require careful oversight.' However, the overall impact of fintech on Islamic banking remains overwhelmingly positive. By enhancing efficiency, lowering costs, and broadening financial inclusion, fintech empowers Islamic banks to deliver more customer-centric and ethical financial services while ensuring long-term sustainability. The ADIB Spokesperson said next five years will witness a significant transformation in Islamic banking, driven by fintech innovation. 'AI-powered Shariah advisory services will become more sophisticated, offering hyper-personalised financial guidance. Digital sukuk and ESG-driven investments will gain traction, enabling wider investor participation in ethical finance through tokenised assets.' Open banking and API integration will foster deeper collaboration between Islamic banks and fintech firms, expanding financial inclusion, particularly in underserved markets. Additionally, sustainable finance solutions, such as green sukuk and carbon trading platforms, will align Islamic banking with global ESG objectives. 'ADIB is actively investing in this future through ADIB Ventures, supporting fintech startups that pioneer next-generation Islamic financial solutions. Through our ADIB 2035 vision, we are leveraging fintech to enhance customer experience, drive efficiency, and reinforce the ethical finance ecosystem,' the Spokesperson concluded.
Broadcast Pro
13-05-2025
- Broadcast Pro
The UAEs Role in the Next Era of Satellite Intelligence
The impact of public-private collaborations, advancements in satellite data usage, and the UAEs drive to lead in space intelligence and sustainable development. By Khalid Al Naqbi Emirati National Experts Programme, Satellite Technology Sector The new space era is not about who reaches the stars first. That contest was settled long ago. Today, the focus is on who leads in harnessing intelligence from space. Satellites no longer just orbit the Earth; they drive economies, enable global security, and power the digital infrastructure of nations. Nowhere was this shift more evident than at the Satellite Conference and Exhibition in Washington (March 11-13)the annual meeting point of the most influential minds in satellite technology. The conversations did not revolve around who can launch the biggest rockets, they were about developments in artificial intelligence for space systems and the pending competition to capture LEO (Low Earth Orbit) with advanced constellation and data sensing technologies. In this conference, and as an Emirati expert in the UAEs National Experts Programme (NEP 4.0), I engaged with global leaders in satellite communications, artificial intelligence, and geospatial analytics. The message was clear: satellites are no longer passive tools of observationthey are decision-makers in orbit. The speed at which nations and industries apply their capabilities will determine their economic, security, and digital resilience for decades to come. One of the key themes throughout the conference was the growing competition in Direct-to-Device (D2D) and NGSO broadband services. The shift in the strategy of global communications is marked by satellite-to-smartphone links, narrowband IoT, and the fusion of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. Starlink, AST SpaceMobile, OneWeb, and Amazon Kuiper are currently locked in competition to set the mark for milestones and building blocks of this new phase. In this regard, the other day made public on March 11 Space42 and Viasat joint cooperation is of further scope because it adds impetus from the two companies are going to examine the multi-orbit 5G NTN architecture through the open systems approach with aim at global roaming and interoperability with other networks. Their initial focus is in the area of Developing the Implementation of D2D and IoT using L and S band spectrum for D. This partnership emphasises concepts across the globe that are trying to balance and unify the approaches to design frameworks that would cater for future satellite services with the existing national regulation policies and market dynamics. Satellite Intelligence: Digital Transformation in Space The numbers are staggering. In just a few years, Starlink has deployed over ~7,000 satellites, building a network capable of delivering high-speed internet to remote regions. SpaceX plans to expand that network to 42,000 satellites, effectively creating a digital web around the planet. Concurrently, now supported by Eutelsat, OneWeb has been constructing its own constellation of over 600 satellites for global broadband coverage, especially emphasising underserved areas and business connectivity. OneWeb seeks to serve the government, aviation, and maritime industries that operate on a larger scale with focused services through satellites in polar orbits as opposed to Starlink's mass-market strategy. Meanwhile, China has announced its own mega-constellation project, with 13,000 satellites planned, a development that is accelerating global advancements in satellite technology. But it is not just about the number of satellitesit is about what they can now do. AI-driven Earth observation systems are rewriting the way we track economic activity, environmental shifts, and security threats. A new generation of satellites is identifying wildfires before they spread, detecting illegal deforestation in real time, and analysing global oil reserves by scanning storage tanks from orbit. AI-powered Earth observation systems are transforming how we respond to climate change, natural disasters, and economic shifts. Satellites equipped with machine learning now analyse vast datasets in orbit, reducing the time required for decision-making from weeks to hours. In environmental monitoring, satellites are detecting and predicting wildfires, floods, and extreme weather patterns in real time, providing critical information for disaster response teams worldwide. The economic potential is equally significant. The global space economy, valued at roughly $350 billion global space industry could surge to over $1tn by 2040, according to Morgan Stanley. UAE: From Space Exploration to Space Intelligence For decades, the UAE has been known for its audacious space ambitionsfrom the Hope Probes journey to Mars to the upcoming MBR Explorer mission to the asteroid belt (UAE Space Agency, 2024). But at SATELLITE 2025, the discussions were about something equally crucial: how the UAE is integrating space intelligence into national and regional progress. The UAE has nearly doubled its space investment, from Dh22 billion in 2015 to over Dh40 billion today. And the strategy is clear: it is not just about launching missions but about ensuring that the country owns the intelligence that flows from them. My work focuses on edge computing within satellite architectures, ensuring that vast amounts of data are processed in orbit before they even reach Earth. This marks a fundamental shiftsatellites are no longer just eyes in the sky; they are real-time analytics hubs in space, making real-time decisions before transmitting critical insights. The UAE is also advancing secure satellite communications, a critical area in the evolving digital economy. With developments in quantum encryption, space-based cybersecurity, and sovereign data networks, satellite communications are becoming central to national security and infrastructure resilience. These topics were among the most discussed at SATELLITE 2025, as governments and industry leaders work to ensure secure, uninterrupted global connectivity. SATELLITE 2025: Defining the Future of Global Connectivity The conversations at SATELLITE 2025 did not dwell on distant possibilitiesthey focused on what is already happening: Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites are laying the foundation for 6G networks. The extensive low-latency global connectivity offered by LEO satellites will provide real-time access to 6G networks. Looking past 5G, advanced AI-driven geospatial analytics paired with LEO satellites will enable superior applications in mobility, autonomy, and environmental intelligence. Satellites are now capable of tracking global supply chains in real time. From monitoring shipping lanes to assessing the economic activity of entire nations, satellite intelligence is becoming the ultimate decision-making tool. AI-powered satellites are processing and analysing data in orbit. This means businesses, governments, and security agencies no longer have to wait days for reportsthey get actionable insights in minutes. The future is not just about collecting data. It is about understanding it instantly and acting on it decisively. The Road Ahead: A Future Written in Orbit This is not speculation. Self-repairing satellites, powered by AI, are already in development, capable of autonomously fixing hardware issues in space. Quantum encryption is making space-based communications virtually unhackable. Mega constellations are reshaping global internet infrastructure, bringing high-speed connectivity to the worlds most remote regions. For the UAE, the direction is clear. The nation is not just participating in the new space erait is actively shaping its future. At SATELLITE 2025, one thing became evident: Emirati expertise is no longer on the sidelines of these discussionsit is at the forefront. Space has always been about exploration. But in this new era, the real breakthroughs are not in reaching new worldsthey are in harnessing the intelligence that orbits our own. And for those who understand this shift, the possibilities are limitless.
