BSA participates in Orbitworks inauguration ceremony

Abu Dhabi, Nov. 12 (BNA): The Bahrain Space Agency (BSA) participated in the inauguration ceremony of "Orbitworks", the first integrated satellite manufacturing factory in the Middle East, held in Abu Dhabi.

Mohammed Ibrahim Al Aseeri, CEO of the BSA, and Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Space Agency attended the ceremony.

During the event, it was announced that the factory would produce "Al Tayer," the first AI integrated Emirati Earth observation satellite constellation, which is expected to become one of the region’s most advanced by the end of the decade.

Al Aseeri underscored that the project establishes a sustainable, knowledge-based space economy driven by innovation. He noted that it also strengthens the role of the national private sector, promotes scientific research and technological development, and supports the training of national talent.

The factory is designed as a next-generation platform to accelerate the development and deployment of space technologies. It includes advanced clean rooms for satellite assembly and comprehensive testing infrastructure, such as thermal vacuum chambers and electromagnetic compatibility labs. The integrated model significantly shortens traditional production timelines from years to months, enabling the creation of highly customised, high-performance satellites with exceptional efficiency.

The first launch of the constellation is scheduled for 2026, marking a new phase in strengthening the UAE’s global leadership in artificial intelligence and space technology.