UAE-built AI satellite Altair-1 heads to US ahead of October launch

Thursday, 13 August 2026 15:38

By ARN News Staff

UAE's first commercial AI-enabled earth observation satellite, Altair-1, has been transported to Los Angeles onboard an Emirates SkyCargo Boeing 777 freighter aircraft ahead of its launch in October.

It's the first of 10 that will form the Altair constellation.

It's the first of 10 that will form the multi-sensor satellite constellation that's developed and manufactured in the UAE by Orbitworks.

Altair-1 is equipped with optical, infrared, thermal and RF sensing capabilities and onboard AI processing.

Emirates SkyCargo has previously transported Arab Satellite 813 and Khalifasat. In 2026, the air cargo carrier has moved more than 6,000 tonnes of aerospace and advanced engineering cargo worldwide.

More from UAE News

UAE probe reveals flydubai co-pilot attempted terrorist act

UAE Attorney-General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said investigations into the incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 revealed that the co-pilot attempted to carry out a terrorist act.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan praises flydubai pilot for 'courage and responsibility'

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has praised flydubai pilot Capt. Smit Machchhar after his actions helped avert more serious consequences aboard flight FZ1073.
flydubai CEO thanks crew, passengers as FZ1073 investigation proceeds

Flydubai says its focus remains on supporting affected passengers and crew while authorities investigate the safety incident involving flight FZ1073.
GCAA commends captain, crew and passengers of flight FZ1073

The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has praised the courage and swift response of the captain, crew and passengers of flydubai flight FZ1073, saying their decisive actions helped contain the situation and avert more serious consequences.