Bayanat and Yahsat have launched the UAE’s first radar imaging satellite, marking the debut of a group, or constellation, of devices created to take high-resolution images of the Earth.
A SpaceX rocket carried the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite into low Earth orbit from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Friday.
The launch comes at a time when both companies, which are listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, are preparing to merge to establish a $4.1 billion AI-powered space technology business called Space42 – possibly creating one of the most valuable publicly listed space companies.
“The SAR satellite constellation to be launched over the next three years will enable us to expand as a multi-orbit satellite operator, encompassing geostationary orbit and low-Earth orbit satellites while also developing satellite manufacturing capabilities in the UAE,” said Ali Al Hashemi, chief executive of Yahsat.
European company ICEYE teamed up with Bayanat and Yahsat to develop the satellite, which will be able to capture images day and night regardless of weather.
It has a sensing system that illuminates the Earth’s surface and measures the reflected signal to create high-resolution images.
Hasan Al Hosani, Bayanat's managing director, said that the launch “marks a highly anticipated milestone for both of their collaborative efforts and for the UAE”.
“This is a triumphant moment for Bayanat and a defining step towards our future as Space42,” he said.
“Inaugurating our Earth observation capabilities, including the debut of our SAR satellite constellation, will further strengthen our position as a leader in AI-powered geospatial analytics.”
The constellation would provide a stream of radar data to customers.
By tapping into Yahsat’s experience in satellite management and Bayanat’s skills in processing this data, Space42 would be able to handle everything from launching the satellites to delivering information for a range of applications.
Leaderboard
64 - Gavin Green (MAL), Graeme McDowell (NIR)
65 - Henrik Stenson (SWE), Sebastian Soderberg (SWE), Adri Arnaus (ESP), Victor Perez (FRA), Jhonattan Vegas (VEN)
66 - Phil Mickelson (USA), Tom Lewis (ENG), Andy Sullivan (ENG), Ross Fisher (ENG), Aaron Rai (ENG), Ryan Fox (NZL)
67 - Dustin Johnson (USA), Sebastian Garcia Rodriguez (ESP), Lucas Herbert (AUS), Francesco Laporta (ITA), Joost Luiten (NED), Soren Kjeldsen (DEN), Marcus Kinhult (SWE)
68 - Alexander Bjork (SWE), Matthieu Pavon (FRA), Adrian Meronk (POL), David Howell (ENG), Christiaan Bezuidenhout (RSA), Fabrizio Zanotti (PAR), Sean Crocker (USA), Scott Hend (AUS), Justin Harding (RSA), Jazz Janewattananond (THA), Shubhankar Sharma (IND), Renato Paratore (ITA)
FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
Results
5pm: Al Falah – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,200m; Winner: Bshara, Richard Mullen (jockey), Salem Al Ketbi (trainer)
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: AF Musannef, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Al Dhafra – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: AF Mualami, Antonio Fresu, Abubakar Daud
6.30pm: Al Khaleej Al Arabi – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Hawafez, Adrie de Vries, Abubakar Daud
7pm: Al Mafraq – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: JAP Almahfuz, Royston Ffrench, Irfan Ellahi
7.30pm: Al Samha – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Celestial Spheres, Patrick Cosgrave, Ismail Mohammed
