– Marlan Space and Loft Orbital have established Orbitworks, the Middle East’s first private space infrastructure company, aiming to lead in the production of commercial low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations.
– Orbitworks plans to produce up to 50 satellites annually, backed by over $100 million in initial investment, with the first launch targeted for early 2026.
– The venture will leverage local UAE technology and component suppliers, while also collaborating with AI companies and research organizations to deploy advanced applications in space.
Abu Dhabi’s Marlan Space, a subsidiary of International Holding Company (IHC), has partnered with Loft Orbital to create Orbitworks, the Middle East’s first private space infrastructure firm.
Orbitworks represents a major leap in the UAE’s burgeoning space industry, becoming the region’s pioneer in producing commercial low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations.
With over $100 million in initial funding, Orbitworks plans to manufacture up to 50 satellites annually, each weighing 500 kg. Loft Orbital, founded in 2017, brings its expertise and technology to the venture, enabling diverse missions in telecommunications, earth observation, and scientific research.
Orbitworks has secured components for its first 10 satellites, targeting the first launch by early 2026. The partnership aims to accelerate satellite deployment with local UAE suppliers, leveraging Loft’s integration technologies.
The first satellite is expected to be assembled and tested by early 2025, with recruitment efforts underway both internationally and within the UAE to attract top talent in hardware, software, and aerospace engineering.
The new company will also collaborate with AI companies and research institutions, facilitating the deployment of AI applications in space, as the UAE continues to advance its AI ecosystem.
Pierre-Damien Vaujour, CEO of Loft Orbital, commented, “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.”
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