ABU DHABI, 20th May, 2025 (WAM) -- Karim Sabbagh, Managing Director of Space42, has announced that the company's Abu Dhabi facility will commence manufacturing of the first prototypes of High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) in the latter half of this year. This strategic move precedes proof-of-concept trials slated for three continents, conducted under the purview of international cooperation agreements.
Speaking at the “Make it in the Emirates 2025”, Sabbagh informed the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that trials in African, Asian, and European markets are expected to begin in the coming months. These trials aim to validate the operational capabilities and demonstrate the feasibility of the HAPS concept.
Sabbagh underscored Space42's proprietary ownership of this technology, asserting that it provides the UAE with a significant sovereign advantage and reinforces its leadership in developing innovative communication and aerial surveillance solutions.
The HAPS technology utilises unmanned aircraft designed to carry payloads for both communications and Earth observation. The prototypes will be produced at Space42's recently inaugurated Abu Dhabi facility, which stands as the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region for high-altitude platform manufacturing.
It's noteworthy that Mira Aerospace, the High Altitude Platform Stations subsidiary of Space42, the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company, has established MENA’s first HAPS manufacturing centre in Abu Dhabi. The new facility, opened on May 19, will significantly enhance Mira Aerospace’s production capabilities, drive advanced R&D, support the commercialisation of HAPS technology, and lay the foundation for long-term, sustainable growth.
In a related development, Sabbagh detailed Space42's ongoing efforts to develop a non-terrestrial communications network, intended as the next generation of the "Thuraya" system. This network will leverage a constellation of satellites to deliver global coverage, particularly in regions underserved by traditional terrestrial infrastructure. These initiatives represent crucial strategic investments aimed at expanding Space42's global footprint and elevating its product and service offerings from the UAE to an international scale.
Regarding the Foresight Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite constellation project for Earth observation, Sabbagh confirmed significant progress following the successful launch of the first two satellites. He noted that the manufacturing of subsequent satellites is underway at Space42’s facility in the Sweihan area, with robust support from the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, ensuring the complete deployment of the Foresight-3, -4, and -5 satellites.