Bayanat and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) have announced the expansion of their Earth Observation (EO) program. The program, which previously consisted of five synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, will now expand to seven satellites.

ICEYE, a provider of SAR technology, will support this expansion by providing technology, training, and expertise. The goal is to increase the frequency of satellite revisits over the Middle East, allowing Bayanat and Yahsat to deliver near real-time, high-definition images of ground conditions in the region.

The collaboration between ICEYE, Bayanat, and Yahsat represents a significant step forward for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in terms of their space capabilities. This partnership goes beyond hardware, emphasizing support for the UAE in becoming a producer of space technology.

ICEYE has already deployed 31 SAR satellites since 2018, offering its partners a wide range of surface imaging capabilities. These satellites provide ground resolutions of 50 centimeters and can capture views of up to 50,000 square kilometers in distance. SAR technology allows for image acquisition day and night, regardless of cloud cover, and can capture multiple images per day.

Yahsat and Bayanat have confirmed the activation of their own satellite radar imaging service through ICEYE’s fleet of satellites. The commercial services have become fully operational several months after the program was announced in May.

The expanded Earth Observation program and the inclusion of additional SAR satellites will greatly enhance the ability to monitor and analyze ground conditions in the Middle East. This increased capability will have various applications across sectors such as agriculture, disaster response, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.