Altair-1, the UAE's first homegrown satellite, has launched into orbit from California aboard a SpaceX rocket. Developed by Orbitworks — a joint venture between UAE-based Marlan Space and San Francisco's Loft Orbital — it is the first AI-enabled commercial Earth observation satellite built in the UAE and the first in a planned 10-satellite constellation. The satellite is equipped with Nvidia chips to support on-board computing and data analysis. Within a day of launch, Altair-1 was already transmitting signals back to Earth.

Why This Matters

Altair-1 is the first of 10 AI-powered satellites Orbitworks plans to launch over the next year, building one of the most advanced commercial constellations in the region. It is the latest milestone in a rapidly expanding UAE-US space economy — bilateral space deals this year have surpassed $1 billion. The partnerships deliver on both sides: the UAE develops sovereign advanced space capabilities alongside world-class US partners, while American space firms gain access to one of the Gulf's most active and well-capitalized markets.

“This moment shows the world what the UAE has quietly built, and that it is ready to lead globally in AI powered satellite constellation production and operations.” – Pierre-Damien Vaujour, CEO of Loft Orbital