Tawazun teams up with Airbus for satellite assembly

“This is our second project after Yahsat, and there are many more projects to come, as Tawazun works to further develop the UAE space sector,” said Matar Ali Al Romaithi, chief economic development officer of Tawazun. Image: Tawazun Economic Council 

The aim is manufacturing components and assembling, integrating and testing small to medium satellites.

The AIT Satellite Center will develop and build communication, navigation and hyper spectral satellites ranging in size between 50 and 250 Kilograms and it is planned to commence operations at the beginning of 2021.

The Centre will be based at the NSSTC facilities in Al Ain, UAE with Airbus supporting NSSTC during the design, outfitting and commissioning of the facility. Airbus will also manage the procurement, installation and operational qualification required for the equipment.

“This is our second project after Yahsat, and there are many more projects to come, as Tawazun works to further develop the UAE space sector,” said Matar Ali Al Romaithi, chief economic development officer of Tawazun.

“The UAE is building and acquiring the knowledge required to become a regional hub for space activities and advanced research and development. This centre is an integral part of those plans and consequently Tawazun has worked to make sure that it operates as a sustainable resource for the next five to seven years with a view to becoming permanent,” he added.

“We also value the significant contribution that Airbus is making to the centre’s sustainability, as well as to the increase and development of our Emirati resource and expertise. NSSTC will accumulate critical knowledge from Airbus through this project, and our national competencies and skills will increase significantly,” Al Romaithi commented.

“The space industry is an important and strategic sector for the UAE, as it enables the development of high-level skills and drives innovation,” said Mikail Houari, President Africa and Middle East, Airbus.

“Airbus remains committed to supporting the advancement of all key elements of the UAE’s aerospace industry. This new collaboration will support the future growth of the UAE’s space and satellite sector, contributing to the country’s economic diversification strategy. It will also support the continued efforts around Emiratization, which will be vital for ensuring long-term sustainable development of the sector,” added Houari.