A consortium led by Marlan Space and Loft Orbital has committed $1 billion to expand the Altair satellite constellation from 10 to 50 spacecraft. The expansion is funded by the Royal Group of Abu Dhabi, with the first satellite scheduled for launch by October 2026.
The satellites will be produced by Orbitworks, a joint venture between Marlan Space and Loft Orbital. The Abu Dhabi-based facility covers 5,000 square meters and can manufacture up to 50 satellites per year, with each spacecraft weighing up to 500 kg.
Each Altair satellite features onboard AI to process optical, hyperspectral, thermal, infrared, and radar data in orbit. This architecture allows the system to deliver alerts in near-real-time, reducing the processing time to seconds compared to traditional ground-based analysis.
The consortium has secured a service contract with the French space agency CNES. Additionally, the International Holding Company plans to acquire an 80% stake in Marlan Holding to further support the UAE's economic diversification and space capabilities.
Loft Orbital, based in San Francisco and Toulouse, provides a modular 'satellite-as-a-service' model. The project's supply chain relies heavily on European component manufacturers.