Orbitworks represents a major development in the UAE's expanding space sector by becoming the region's first to produce commercial low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations. The venture, backed by an initial investment exceeding $100 million, plans to manufacture up to fifty 500 kg satellites annually. Loft Orbital, founded in 2017, contributes its extensive expertise, advanced technology, and a solid reputation, supporting a variety of missions in telecommunications, earth observation, and scientific research.
Construction is set to begin on a cutting-edge facility where advanced hardware, software, and industrial technologies will be used to integrate and test satellites.
Orbitworks has already secured components for its first ten satellites, with the first expected to launch as early as the first quarter of 2026. This initiative aligns with Loft Orbital's goal of providing quick and flexible payload services to any customer.
Orbitworks plans to collaborate with local component manufacturers and technology providers in the UAE, utilizing Loft Orbital's solutions for efficient technology integration.
The first satellite platform is anticipated to be assembled, integrated, and tested by early 2025. The joint venture has begun recruiting talent from both international and UAE markets, focusing on hardware, software, test engineering, and other aerospace engineering disciplines.
With the UAE's advanced AI ecosystem, Orbitworks will also collaborate with AI companies and research organizations, offering them straightforward opportunities to deploy their applications in orbit.
Pierre-Damien Vaujour, CEO of Loft Orbital, stated, "We have long believed in the dynamism and growth of the UAE's space sector, and we are proud to be playing a small part in the country's journey to becoming a space powerhouse. From the moment we first met with Marlan Space, we were excited about their vision for bringing scaled production and operations of LEO satellite constellations to the UAE. We are thrilled to support and partner with all players in the country's space, satellite, cloud, and AI industries."