Photo: Space42

Space42 has set out some ambitious plans in the Earth Observation (EO) arena. It is establishing a joint venture (JV) with Edge Group to develop a fully integrated EO ecosystem. The JV will be with FADA, an EDGE Group entity, established to develop the UAE’s sovereign space capabilities. The two companies announced the JV on Feb. 17.

The JV will serve as a central hub for manufacturing, deploying, and operating EO assets. By combining Space42’s space infrastructure and expertise in geospatial analytics and Artificial Intelligence with FADA’s leadership in advanced technology and defense, the planned JV will deliver dual-use EO capabilities tailored for both government and commercial applications.

The JV will contribute to the UAE Space Strategy 2030 by strengthening local research and development, fostering industry collaborations, and driving new space-based applications that enhance economic resilience. The JV will integrate, own, and operate a portfolio of dual-use EO assets and capabilities. It will leverage Space42’s assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) facilities to expand large-scale satellite manufacturing. Beyond defense and security applications, the JV will drive commercial opportunities in environmental monitoring, urban planning, resource management, smart mobility, and infrastructure development, supporting the UAE’s long-term sustainability goals.

“The joint venture is more than an investment in sovereign Earth Observation — it’s a bold step toward enhancing decision-making, environmental resilience, and technological autonomy. By integrating cutting-edge space assets with AI-powered analytics, we are not only strengthening the UAE’s strategic position but also advancing critical applications in climate monitoring, disaster response, and resource management, ensuring a more secure and sustainable future,” Waleid Al Mesmari, president of the Space & Cyber Technologies Cluster for EDGE, said in a statement.