UAE Commits $1 Billion to Space-AI Project
The UAE is making a major move into artificial intelligence-powered space technology through a $1 billion satellite project involving Abu Dhabi-based Marlan Space and US-French space company Loft Orbital.
The consortium announced the Altair-Next Gen project at the International Space Summit in Paris on September 9. The plan calls for an initial constellation of 50 AI-enabled satellites equipped with optical, radar and other advanced sensors.
50 AI Satellites to Be Built
The satellites will use onboard computing and artificial intelligence to analyse information while still in orbit. This could allow the system to detect events and send alerts within seconds instead of sending large amounts of raw data back to Earth for processing.
The project has several practical applications. These include:
- Maritime and port surveillance
- Wildfire detection
- Disaster response
- Monitoring critical infrastructure
- Earth observation and security
The satellites will be manufactured by Orbitworks, a joint venture between Marlan Space and Loft Orbital, at its facility in the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi. The first 10 satellites are already in production, while the first AI-enabled satellite is expected to launch in October.
Mistral AI Joins the Project
French artificial intelligence company Mistral AI will provide AI models that operate directly onboard the satellites. The technology is designed to help satellites interpret what their sensors detect and respond to natural-language instructions.
The project combines UAE investment and manufacturing capabilities with European aerospace expertise. It also highlights Abu Dhabi’s growing role in the commercial space industry.
For the UAE, the UAE Commits $1 Billion to Space-AI Project marks another step toward building advanced space infrastructure and developing domestic satellite manufacturing and engineering capabilities.
