Latest news with #NationalSpaceStrategy
ITV News
23-05-2025
- Business
- ITV News
'Lift off' for new space centre in Snowdonia
Snowdonia Space Centre launch rocket to celebrate grand opening. The Snowdonia Space Centre has officially opened, with a small rocket having been launched to mark the occasion. The launch used one of the two new launch rails which is at the centre, which opened on 22 May. A high altitude balloon was also launched, with visitors being able to track its progress to the edge of space from the mission control room. "Facilities like this will play a crucial role in delivering our National Space Strategy for Wales, strengthening Wales' position as a hub for innovation, and helping drive forward the UK's space ambitions," Rebecca Evans, MS, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, who attended the grand opening, said. The Space Centre received £820,000 of funding from the UK Space Agency to support its development. It is believed the new centre will provide a boost for the economy and employment opportunities. They will also have educational facilities to support universities and STEM learning. Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: "The opening of the Snowdonia Space Centre cements our commitment to building a space ecosystem right across the UK. "The Centre will not only drive economic growth in North Wales but also inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers through its outstanding educational facilities, strengthening Britain's position as a space superpower.' The new space centre features a flight test range, rocket engine test stand, launch rails and high-tech labs. "As well as providing much needed testing facilities to the UK space industry, we hope the Centre will help to stimulate local and national interest in the space industry and inspire more young people to engage in a career in the space industry," Jeremy Howitt, Technical Director of Snowdonia Space Centre, said.
Mid East Info
19-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Space42 Opens MENA's First High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) Manufacturing Facility in Abu Dhabi - Middle East Business News and Information
The new High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) facility enables Mira Aerospace, a subsidiary of Space42, to manufacture unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the country The new facility directly contributes to the UAE's economic diversification and supports the UAE's National Space Strategy 2030 Abu Dhabi, UAE, May, 2025 – Mira Aerospace, the High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) subsidiary of Space42 (ADX: SPACE42), the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company, has established MENA's first HAPS manufacturing center in Abu Dhabi. The new facility will significantly enhance Mira Aerospace's production capabilities, drive advanced R&D, support the commercialization of HAPS technology, and lay the foundation for long-term, sustainable growth. The state-of-the-art, 4,500-square-meter center will deliver more than 20 HAPS UAVs annually, supporting civil, environmental, and defense applications. The facility marks a strategic milestone in the company's mission to position the UAE at the forefront of sovereign aerospace and space-based connectivity innovation. Enhanced Sovereign Capabilities: Contributing to the UAE's National Space Strategy 2030, Space42 is playing a critical role in the nation's efforts to build sovereign space technology, manufacturing, and research and development capabilities. Space is a cornerstone of the UAE's technology roadmap, accelerating innovation and strengthening national resilience in advanced industries, and the new HAPS facility is a direct reflection of and commitment to this national priority. Khaled Al Marzooqi, CEO of Mira Aerospace, Space42, said: 'As the global demand for HAPS accelerates, Space42 is making strategic investments to strengthen our leadership in this growing market. The decision to build our new HAPS manufacturing facility in Abu Dhabi reflects our commitment to creating reliable, cost-effective systems with advanced space technology and plays a central role in developing sovereign capabilities that support our long-term business objectives and the UAE's broader economic goals.' Supporting A Broader Strategic Vision The HAPS facility is part of a series of targeted investments by Space42 to expand vertically integrated manufacturing and data infrastructure. The company is also collaborating with ICEYE, a global leader in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, to co-produce Earth Observation (EO) satellites in the UAE. These efforts will directly advance the UAE's EO Space Program, designed to build national capabilities in satellite-based remote sensing. The UAE is currently the only country in the Middle East and one of the few space-faring nations with domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities. Space42 Strategy: Major investments, such as the HAPS facility, fit into Space42's broader strategy to efficiently scale the business and expand impact across the global industry. By developing in-house competencies that evolve with market needs, the new facility provides a competitive edge and creates long-term growth value for Space42 and its stakeholders. Designed to centralize global operations and meet the rising demand for HAPS solutions, the facility supports Space42's strategic initiative to be the preferred partner for premium geospatial data. With local manufacturing capabilities, the business is strongly positioned to build differentiated competencies, ensure operations scale efficiently, and continue to demonstrate strong financial stewardship. Space42's HAPS Advancements: The new manufacturing hub will be the latest in a series of major milestones for Mira Aerospace. In February 2025, the company partnered with XRANGE, a multi-domain Training, Testing, and Evaluation (TT&E) facility, to establish a permanent testing hub for high-altitude, long-endurance UAV trials. In October 2024, Mira Aerospace developed two advanced payloads to support various applications, including environmental monitoring, disaster management, urban planning, and agriculture. The EO payload offers sharp and precise data to aid critical decision-making, and the Telecommunications payload provides direct-to-device connectivity and data relay between aerial and ground platforms. Space42 is one of the leading companies globally in the HAPS domain, and the first in the world to demonstrate 5G connectivity from the stratosphere using heavier-than-air HAPS. ABOUT SPACE42: Space42 (ADX: SPACE42) is a UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company that integrates satellite communications, geospatial analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities to enlighten the Earth from space. Established in 2024 following the successful merger between Bayanat and Yahsat, Space42's global reach allows it to address the rapidly evolving needs of its customers in governments, enterprises, and communities. Space42 comprises of two business units: Yahsat Space Services and Bayanat Smart Solutions. The Yahsat Space Services unit focuses on upstream satellite operations for both fixed and mobility satellite solutions. The Bayanat Smart Solutions unit integrates geospatial data acquisition and processing with AI to inform decision-making, enhance situational awareness, and improve operational efficiency. Space42's major shareholders include G42, Mubadala and IHC.
Zawya
20-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
EDGE Group, ST Engineering partner to advance UAE's Sirb Programme
ST Engineering has been appointed as a strategic international partner for the UAE's Sirb Programme Abu Dhabi, UAE – As prime contractor for the UAE Space Agency's prestigious Sirb Programme, EDGE Group has partnered with ST Engineering, a global technology, defence, and engineering group, to accelerate the development of the UAE's sovereign synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite capabilities. A Letter of Intent (LOI) was signed by Waleid Al Mesmari, President, Space and Cyber Technologies Cluster, EDGE and Low Jin Phang, President, Digital Systems, ST Engineering in the presence of His Excellency Eng. Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, His Excellency Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Senior Advisor, EDGE, Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, EDGE, and Ravinder Singh, Chairman, ST Engineering. The signing formalised the parties' collaboration to advance the Sirb Programme – a national initiative led by the UAE Space Agency aimed at significantly enhancing the UAE's Radar Earth Observation capabilities. This milestone marks an important step forward in strengthening innovation and technological leadership in the sector. His Excellency Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, said: 'Our collaboration with FADA and the local industrial consortium marks a pivotal step in expanding UAE's private space sector. The enablement of the private sector is fundamental to our efforts in executing the Sirb programme and cultivating a dynamic, competitive commercial space industry. Empowering the private sector by expanding local, regional, and international cooperation and partnerships is an investment in the future and sustainability of the national space sector.' Waleid Al Mesmari, President, Space & Cyber Technologies, EDGE Group, said: 'This partnership marks another critical milestone in the UAE's space journey. As prime contractor for the UAE Space Agency's Sirb Programme, EDGE is committed to advancing sovereign space capabilities in alignment with the UAE's National Space Strategy. Partnering with ST Engineering as the Strategic International Partner enables us to accelerate the programme's development and foster a self-sustaining space sector that drives national innovation.' Low Jin Phang, President, Digital Systems, ST Engineering, said: 'This partnership is a testament to our capabilities in satellite systems and our standing as a trusted international partner. With the success of TeLEOS-1 and TeLEOS-2, we bring proven expertise in integrating optical and SAR satellites and we are well positioned to advance the Sirb Programme, enabling the capture of high-resolution Earth observation images in all conditions. We are excited about this partnership and look forward to working with EDGE Group to drive the programme's success. Under this partnership, ST Engineering work closely with EDGE to deliver a single-polarisation SAR satellite and ground segment, along with the transfer of technical expertise for the SAR payload. This partnership reflects the shared commitment of both ST Engineering and EDGE Group to advancing the UAE's leadership in high resolution satellite imaging, autonomous space systems, and sovereign satellite development. Attendees of IDEX 2025 can visit EDGE and its portfolio of companies at indoor stand C20 in Hall 5 and outdoor stand CP-270 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre until 21 February 2025. About EDGE Launched in November 2019, the UAE's EDGE is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly skilled talent to thrive. With a focus on the adoption of 4IR technologies, EDGE is driving the development of sovereign capabilities for global export and for the preservation of national security, working with front-line operators, international partners, and adopting advanced technologies such as autonomous capabilities, cyber-physical systems, advanced propulsion systems, robotics and smart materials. EDGE converges R&D, emerging technologies, digital transformation, and commercial market innovations with military capabilities to develop disruptive solutions tailored to the specific requirements of its customers. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, EDGE consolidates more than 35 entities into six core clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Space & Cyber Technologies, Trading & Mission Support, Technology & Innovation, and Homeland Security. For more information, visit For media enquiries, please contact: EDGE Group Press Office media@ About UAE Space Agency: The UAE Space Agency is a federal agency that was created under Federal Law by Decree No. 1 of 2014, to be responsible for all the projects, activities, and programs related to outer space. The UAE Space Agency aims to organise, regulate, and support the space sector in the country, support the sustainable national economy, and promote the UAE's position on the regional and global space map. The UAE Space Agency is responsible for proposing policies, strategies, legislation, and plans related to the space sector, offering guidance for national space programmes, developing and attracting national capabilities, supporting research and development projects, and granting permits for space activities. The Agency also leads many projects and initiatives, including the Space Economic Zones Program, to support startups and SMEs and strengthen the national space economy, the Space Data Center, the Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform, the Space Analytics and Solutions (SAS) Program, the Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) Hope Probe, and the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA), the first mission of its kind to study seven asteroids in the main asteroid belt.
Mid East Info
20-02-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
EDGE Group, ST Engineering Partner to Advance UAE's Sirb Programme - Middle East Business News and Information
EDGE's space-focused entity FADA and ST Engineering partner to advance SAR satellite development and national space expertise ST Engineering has been appointed as a strategic international partner for the UAE's Sirb Programme. Abu Dhabi, UAE:February 2025 – As prime contractor for the UAE Space Agency's prestigious Sirb Programme, EDGE Group has partnered with ST Engineering, a global technology, defence, and engineering group, to accelerate the development of the UAE's sovereign synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite capabilities. A Letter of Intent (LOI) was signed by Waleid Al Mesmari, President, Space and Cyber Technologies Cluster, EDGE and Low Jin Phang, President, Digital Systems, ST Engineering in the presence of His Excellency Eng. Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, His Excellency Eng. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Senior Advisor, EDGE, Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, EDGE, and Ravinder Singh, Chairman, ST Engineering. The signing formalised the parties' collaboration to advance the Sirb Programme – a national initiative led by the UAE Space Agency aimed at significantly enhancing the UAE's Radar Earth Observation capabilities. This milestone marks an important step forward in strengthening innovation and technological leadership in the sector. His Excellency Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, said: 'Our collaboration with FADA and the local industrial consortium marks a pivotal step in expanding UAE's private space sector. The enablement of the private sector is fundamental to our efforts in executing the Sirb programme and cultivating a dynamic, competitive commercial space industry. Empowering the private sector by expanding local, regional, and international cooperation and partnerships is an investment in the future and sustainability of the national space sector.' Waleid Al Mesmari, President, Space & Cyber Technologies, EDGE Group, said: 'This partnership marks another critical milestone in the UAE's space journey. As prime contractor for the UAE Space Agency's Sirb Programme, EDGE is committed to advancing sovereign space capabilities in alignment with the UAE's National Space Strategy. Partnering with ST Engineering as the Strategic International Partner enables us to accelerate the programme's development and foster a self-sustaining space sector that drives national innovation.' Low Jin Phang, President, Digital Systems, ST Engineering, said: 'This partnership is a testament to our capabilities in satellite systems and our standing as a trusted international partner. With the success of TeLEOS-1 and TeLEOS-2, we bring proven expertise in integrating optical and SAR satellites and we are well positioned to advance the Sirb Programme, enabling the capture of high-resolution Earth observation images in all conditions. We are excited about this partnership and look forward to working with EDGE Group to drive the programme's success. Under this partnership, ST Engineering work closely with EDGE to deliver a single-polarisation SAR satellite and ground segment, along with the transfer of technical expertise for the SAR payload. This partnership reflects the shared commitment of both ST Engineering and EDGE Group to advancing the UAE's leadership in high resolution satellite imaging, autonomous space systems, and sovereign satellite development. Attendees of IDEX 2025 can visit EDGE and its portfolio of companies at indoor stand C20 in Hall 5 and outdoor stand CP-270 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre until 21 February 2025. About EDGE: Launched in November 2019, the UAE's EDGE is one of the world's leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly skilled talent to thrive. With a focus on the adoption of 4IR technologies, EDGE is driving the development of sovereign capabilities for global export and for the preservation of national security, working with front-line operators, international partners, and adopting advanced technologies such as autonomous capabilities, cyber-physical systems, advanced propulsion systems, robotics and smart materials. EDGE converges R&D, emerging technologies, digital transformation, and commercial market innovations with military capabilities to develop disruptive solutions tailored to the specific requirements of its customers. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, EDGE consolidates more than 35 entities into six core clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Space & Cyber Technologies, Trading & Mission Support, Technology & Innovation, and Homeland Security. About UAE Space Agency: The UAE Space Agency is a federal agency that was created under Federal Law by Decree No. 1 of 2014, to be responsible for all the projects, activities, and programs related to outer space. The UAE Space Agency aims to organise, regulate, and support the space sector in the country, support the sustainable national economy, and promote the UAE's position on the regional and global space map. The UAE Space Agency is responsible for proposing policies, strategies, legislation, and plans related to the space sector, offering guidance for national space programmes, developing and attracting national capabilities, supporting research and development projects, and granting permits for space activities. The Agency also leads many projects and initiatives, including the Space Economic Zones Program, to support startups and SMEs and strengthen the national space economy, the Space Data Center, the Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform, the Space Analytics and Solutions (SAS) Program, the Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) Hope Probe, and the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA), the first mission of its kind to study seven asteroids in the main asteroid belt.
