Latest news with #LoftOrbital
Gulf Business
20-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Orbitworks' Ralph Koyess on the firm's goal to deliver sovereign satellite capabilities
Image: Supplied Launched in 2024 as a joint venture between Marlan Space and Loft Orbital, In its debut public appearance at the Make it in the Emirates Forum, Orbitworks unveiled Altair , an AI-powered Earth observation constellation designed and built in the UAE. Here, Ralph Koyess, business development director at Orbitworks, shares how the venture is fusing global expertise with national priorities to deliver sovereign satellite capabilities, drive industrial growth, and create a new generation of space-ready talent . Tell us about the company and its journey. Orbitworks was established in 2024 to build a homegrown satellite manufacturing capability that serves national priorities and supports regional needs. We were formed as a joint venture between Marlan Space and Loft Orbital, combining global engineering heritage with a UAE-led vision of sovereign space infrastructure. Our facility in KEZAD spans 30,000 square feet and includes a 15,000-square-foot ISO-class cleanroom. It's one of the largest dedicated satellite manufacturing sites in the region and is equipped to deliver up to 50 satellites annually. What matters is not just the infrastructure, but what it enables. Orbitworks gives the UAE the ability to design, produce, and scale space missions on its own terms quickly, reliably, and with full operational oversight. Can you elaborate on the major manufacturing announcement Orbitworks unveiled at the Make it in the Emirates Forum, and how it aligns with your goal of producing up to 50 satellites annually? We're excited to unveil Altair, our first Earth observation constellation. Altair consists of 10 AI-powered satellites designed for multi-mission use. Production will begin at our Kezad facility in the second half of 2025, with the launches planned for 2026. Altair is named after a prominent star in the Aquila constellation, historically used for navigation because of its brightness and clarity. It's also derived from the Arabic word 'النسر الطائر ' meaning 'the flying eagle.' For Orbitworks, the name symbolises clear vision, precision, and reliability, which are core principles of our satellites. The Altair programme is a direct expression of what our facility was built to deliver: satellites with advanced sensing, onboard AI processing, and rapid deployment timelines. Every aspect of our production model, from cleanroom design to thermal and EMI testing, has been set up to meet the demands of mission-grade satellite manufacturing at volume. As we scale, Altair will be the first of several programs to leverage this infrastructure. It sets the tone for how we intend to meet our 50-unit-per-year production goal: through a steady pipeline of flexible, high-performance satellite systems delivered from the UAE. How does Orbitworks plan to integrate advanced technologies into its satellite production processes, and what distinguishes your approach from other manufacturers in the region? Our satellites are built with flexibility in mind. Each platform is modular and designed to accommodate a range of payloads, allowing us to tailor systems to specific missions without disrupting production timelines. The Altair satellites carry a multi-sensor payload that includes sub-metre optical, thermal, hyperspectral, shortwave infrared, and RF sensors. They also feature onboard AI processing, which allows them to analyze data in orbit. This makes them well-suited for time-sensitive applications like disaster response, national security, and resource monitoring. Our manufacturing approach combines proven global engineering standards with a localized production setup in Abu Dhabi. This gives customers access to high-performance satellite systems that are built closer to the region they serve and aligned with regulatory, operational, and strategic requirements. In what ways is Orbitworks contributing to the UAE's broader economic diversification and industrialisation goals, particularly within the space sector? Orbitworks supports the UAE's efforts to diversify its economy through investment in advanced, knowledge-based industries. By building satellites locally, we are adding new depth to the space sector and creating pathways for industrial growth in high-value areas such as manufacturing, data services, and aerospace R&D. Our operations contribute to the objectives of both Operation 300bn and the UAE National Space Strategy 2030. We are creating jobs, developing local talent, and fostering technical capabilities that reduce dependency on imported systems. Our work also further strengthens the UAE's ability to respond to strategic needs with locally built infrastructure. This reinforces the resilience to national planning while generating opportunities for export and collaboration. How does Orbitworks' participation in the Make it in the Emirates Forum enhance your strategic objectives, and what outcomes do you anticipate from this engagement? Make it in the Emirates is actually our first public appearance since the company was established, and it's taking place at a moment when the UAE's space sector is gaining global attention. The forum provides an ideal setting to introduce Altair, our first satellite constellation, and to demonstrate the infrastructure we've built to support it. Our presence at the IHC Pavilion reflects our intent to engage deeply with industrial stakeholders, national institutions, and international partners. More broadly, this forum gives us the opportunity to support the UAE's ambition to become a global leader in aerospace. Our work in designing and building customized satellite constellations from Abu Dhabi directly reinforces that ambition. We also see this event as a catalyst for new partnerships. Whether through hosted payloads, collaborative missions, or regional data-sharing frameworks, our objective is to show how Orbitworks can serve as a strategic partner for both government and commercial space users across the region. With the first satellite platform expected to be assembled by early 2025, what are Orbitworks' plans for workforce development and talent acquisition to support this timeline? Developing satellite manufacturing capability in the UAE is as much about people as it is about infrastructure. Since our founding, we have been focused on building a team that can deliver mission-ready systems to global standards, starting with the Altair constellation. Our approach places Emirati talent at the centre of this effort. Engineers and technicians are already being trained at our KEZAD facility, working closely with senior specialists to gain practical experience in cleanroom operations, payload integration, and system testing. This effort is led by Mohamed Alkarbi Mohamed, our director of Assembly, Integration, and Testing, who is responsible for overseeing both production readiness and team development. We're also working closely with leading UAE academic and research institutions to support specialised internships, joint research projects, and tailored training programs. These initiatives are designed to create clear pathways into the space sector and help bridge the gap between classroom learning and industrial application. We know that building satellites here in the UAE is a long-term effort. That's why we're investing in a workforce that can carry these capabilities forward and help shape what comes after Altair.
Al Etihad
19-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Orbitworks announces plan to build UAE's first AI-powered satellite constellation
20 May 2025 00:34 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)UAE satellite manufacturer Orbitworks has announced an ambitious plan to build the country's first AI-powered satellite company - formed by Marlan Space and Loft Orbital - unveiled its flagship project at the Make it in the Emirates forum on Monday. With production kicking off this year, the mega-constellation of satellites called Altair is slated for launch in 2026. The first phase will feature 10 AI-powered Earth observation satellites that can support defence, commercial, and civil sectors within the country and abroad. "Altair will have a multi-sensor payload-from optical images to hyperspectral sensor to shortwave infrared, thermal sensor, and RF monitoring capability," Salim Al Alawi, Director for Business Development at Orbitworks, told Aletihad on the sidelines of the forum. The 10-satellite fleet will be built at Orbitworks' new 50,000sqft facility in Kezad, Abu Dhabi. "Orbitworks is making a strategic investment and establishing advances. We would like to reinforce the UAE's capability in space, defence, and aerospace technology manufacturing. We are starting with a 50,000sqft facility we are building here in Abu Dhabi. We're building a state-of-the-art facility that will be able to output 50 satellites per year up to 500kg per satellite," Al Alawi said. The Constellation's CapabilitiesBuilt on Airbus-based Longbow platforms - with the latest sensors and edge computing - the satellites can support disaster response, as well as smart city and maritime surveillance constellation leverages the data-processing power of artificial intelligence to deliver real-time insights to clients across various applications and the Altair series, Orbitworks provides turnkey space solutions, maximising its manufacturing plant to build satellites for its clients from around the world. "Orbitworks is the first commercial satellite manufacturing company in UAE. And this will allow the company, the UAE space players, and the UAE private sector in space to put together end-to-end technologies and solutions that can be exported to the region and global customers," Al Alawi said. The company is looking forward to collaborating with local and international partners to develop and manufacture its satellites. "We would like to enable space access to those who would like to provide services from space," Al Alawi added. Make it in the Emirates Continue full coverage
Broadcast Pro
19-05-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Orbitworks unveils Altair, UAE's first AI satellite constellation
Constellation to feature 10 AI-powered Earth observation satellites, placing the UAE at the forefront of global satellite manufacturing. Orbitworks, the UAE's next-generation satellite manufacturing venture founded by Marlan Space and Loft Orbital under the 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative, has announced the launch of its first satellite constellation, Altair. This AI-enabled Earth observation fleet will comprise ten satellites assembled and integrated in Abu Dhabi, marking a major milestone in the nation's push for sovereign space capabilities and industrial independence. Named after the Arabic phrase al-nisr al-???ir ('the flying eagle'), Altair represents vision, technological ascent, and a tribute to the regions historic spirit of exploration. The announcement was made during the Make it in the Emirates forum, aligning with national strategies such as Operation 300bn, which prioritise investment in high-value sectors like aerospace, defence and artificial intelligence. 'Announcing Altair at Make it in the Emirates underscores our ambition to build the UAE's future in space and anchor sovereign AI capabilities. Backed by national initiatives like Make it in the Emirates and Operation 300bn, driving investment into over 1,000 priority industrial products including aerospace, defence, and AI, this is more than a manufacturing milestone,' said Dr Hamdullah Mohib, Acting CEO of Orbitworks and CEO of Marlan Space. 'With Altair, we're combining global aerospace expertise and local innovation to serve national prioritiesand export satellite capacity at scale,' he added. Production of the constellation is set to begin in the second half of 2025, with satellites commencing launch in 2026. As the UAE solidifies its role as a bridge between East and West for satellite technology, Altair is set to become a beacon of the nation's growing ability to design, build and export advanced space infrastructure at a global scale. Each satellite is designed for performance and resilience, featuring a multi-sensor payload, including sub-meter optical, shortwave infrared, thermal, hyperspectral and RF sensors, paired with edge computing for real-time, in-orbit data processing. Built on Loft Orbital's Longbow platformwhich itself derives from the robust, flight-proven Airbus Arrow bus platform with over 650 missions in orbitthe satellites can perform orbital manoeuvres for up to eight years. Altair supports critical applications from national security and disaster response to smart cities, agriculture, energy, and maritime surveillance, advancing public priorities and commercial innovation alike. To bring the Altair constellation to life, Orbitworks will rely on its state-of-the-art production facility in Kezad, Abu Dhabithe only facility in the region built for commercial scale. Spanning 50,000 sqft, the site includes a 15,000-sqft ISO-class cleanroom and a full suite of assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) infrastructure, from electromagnetic interference (EMI) chambers to thermal vacuum systems and shaker tables. With the capacity to scale production up to 50 satellites annually, the facility positions the UAE to serve both domestic priorities and international satellite missions from a sovereign base. Beyond manufacturing, Orbitworks offers integrated satellite solutions tailored to sovereign, commercial, and institutional clients. These include turnkey spacecraft, hosted payload opportunities, rideshare missions, and capacity-building programmes. All technologies are either developed in the UAE or delivered through fully compliant international partnerships, ensuring high standards, export control adherence, and mission readiness.
Arabian Business
19-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE's Orbitworks unveils AI-powered Altair satellite fleet to boost sovereign space capabilities
Orbitworks, the UAE's next-generation satellite manufacturing venture, unveiled 'Altair', a 10-satellite, AI-enabled Earth observation fleet that will be assembled and integrated in Abu Dhabi. The announcement, made at the 'Make it in the Emirates' event and marking Orbitworks' inaugural satellite constellation, is a defining moment in the UAE's journey towards sovereign space capabilities and industrial self-reliance. Named after the Arabic al-nisr al-ṭāʾir ('the flying eagle'), Altair symbolises vision and ascent and echoes exploration legacies across the Arabian skies. Orbitworks is established by Marlan Space and Loft Orbital. 'Announcing Altair underscores our ambition to build the UAE's future in space and anchor sovereign AI capabilities,' said Dr. Hamdullah Mohib, Acting CEO of Orbitworks and CEO of Marlan Space. 'Backed by national initiatives like ' Make it in the Emirates ' and ' Operation 300bn ', driving investment into over 1,000 priority industrial products including aerospace, defense, and AI, this is more than a manufacturing milestone,' he said. Mohib said with Altair, the company is combining global aerospace expertise and local innovation to serve national priorities, and export satellite capacity at scale. Production of the constellation is set to begin in the second half of 2025, with satellites commencing launch in 2026. Each satellite is designed for performance and resilience, featuring a multi-sensor payload, including sub-meter optical, shortwave infrared, thermal, hyperspectral, and RF sensors, paired with edge computing for real-time, in-orbit data processing. Built on Loft Orbital's Longbow platform – which itself derives from the robust, flight-proven Airbus Arrow bus platform with over 650 missions in orbit – the satellites can perform orbital manoeuvres for up to eight years. Altair supports critical applications from national security and disaster response to smart cities, agriculture, energy, and maritime surveillance, advancing public priorities and commercial innovation alike. To bring the Altair constellation to life, Orbitworks will rely on its state-of-the-art production facility in Kezad, Abu Dhabi – the only facility in the region built for commercial scale. With capacity to scale production up to 50 satellites annually, the facility positions the UAE to serve both domestic priorities and international satellite missions from a sovereign base.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Orbitworks unveils ‘Altair' - UAE's first homegrown, AI-enabled satellite constellation
Constellation to feature ten AI-powered Earth observation satellites, placing the UAE at the forefront of global satellite manufacturing. Orbitworks' 50,000 sq ft Kezad-based facility ranks among the world's largest, equipped with full AIT capabilities and ISO-clas cleanroom, and production capacity for 50 units annually. Abu Dhabi, UAE: Orbitworks, the UAE's next-generation satellite manufacturing venture established by Marlan Space and Loft Orbital, today at Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) unveiled Altair, a 10-satellite, AI-enabled Earth observation fleet that will be assembled and integrated in Abu Dhabi. The announcement marks Orbitworks' inaugural satellite constellation, a defining moment in the UAE's journey toward sovereign space capabilities and industrial self-reliance. Named for the Arabic al-nisr al-ṭāʾir (النسر الطائر ,'the flying eagle'), Altair symbolizes vision and ascent—and echoes exploration legacies across the Arabian skies. 'Announcing Altair at Make it in the Emirates underscores our ambition to build the UAE's future in space and anchor sovereign AI capabilities. Backed by national initiatives like Make it in the Emirates and Operation 300bn, driving investment into over 1,000 priority industrial products including aerospace, defense, and AI, this is more than a manufacturing milestone,' said Dr. Hamdullah Mohib, Acting CEO of Orbitworks and CEO of Marlan Space. 'With Altair, we're combining global aerospace expertise and local innovation to serve national priorities—and export satellite capacity at scale,' he added. Production of the constellation is set to begin in the second half of 2025, with satellites commencing launch in 2026. As the UAE solidifies its role as a bridge between East and West for satellite technology, Altair is set to become a beacon of the nation's growing ability to design, build, and export advanced space infrastructure at a global scale. Each satellite is designed for performance and resilience, featuring a multi-sensor payload, including sub-meter optical, shortwave infrared, thermal, hyperspectral, and RF sensors, paired with edge computing for real-time, in-orbit data processing. Built on Loft Orbital's Longbow platform—which itself derives from the robust, flight-proven Airbus Arrow bus platform with over 650 missions in orbit—the satellites can perform orbital maneuvers for up to eight years. Altair supports critical applications from national security and disaster response to smart cities, agriculture, energy, and maritime surveillance, advancing public priorities and commercial innovation alike. To bring the Altair constellation to life, Orbitworks will rely on its state-of-the-art production facility in Kezad, Abu Dhabi—the only facility in the region built for commercial scale. Spanning 50,000 square feet, the site includes a 15,000-square-foot ISO-class cleanroom and a full suite of assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) infrastructure, from electromagnetic interference (EMI) chambers to thermal vacuum systems and shaker tables. With capacity to scale production up to 50 satellites annually, the facility positions the UAE to serve both domestic priorities and international satellite missions from a sovereign base. Beyond manufacturing, Orbitworks offers integrated satellite solutions tailored to sovereign, commercial, and institutional clients. These include turnkey spacecraft, hosted payload opportunities, rideshare missions, and capacity-building programs. All technologies are either developed in the UAE or delivered through fully compliant international partnerships, ensuring high standards, export control adherence, and mission readiness. About Orbitworks Orbitworks is a UAE-based satellite manufacturer formed by Marlan Space and Loft Orbital, focused on building and deploying AI-powered satellite constellations from its 50,000 sq. ft. facility in Kezad, Abu Dhabi. With full AIT capabilities and capacity for 50 satellites annually, Orbitworks enables sovereign, scalable space solutions for defense, environmental, and commercial missions. Its inaugural Altair constellation—ten AI-enabled, multi-sensor Earth observation satellites—launches in 2026, positioning the UAE at the forefront of next-generation satellite manufacturing and export.
