Orbit Works launches 50-satellite/year factory in KIZAD and begins production of a 10-satellite Earth-observation constellation
Orbit Works opens a 50-satellite-per-year factory in KIZAD, starts building a 10-satellite Earth-observation constellation, and signs local and international space contracts.
Orbit Works, an Emirati satellite manufacturer, has inaugurated a production facility in Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) with a capacity to produce up to 50 satellites annually, company officials said. The move follows the company’s participation in the “Make in UAE” platform last year and marks a rapid scale-up from its early-stage operations. Salem Al Alawi, Business Development Director at Orbit Works, confirmed the factory launch and said the company has already begun manufacturing a first 10-satellite Earth-observation constellation.
Orbit Works opens satellite factory in KIZAD
Orbit Works’ new facility in KIZAD is designed to mass-produce small satellites, supporting a broad range of civil and commercial missions. Company representatives described the plant as a strategic step to shorten production cycles and meet growing demand from regional and international customers.
The factory’s 50-satellite-per-year target positions Orbit Works among the region’s more ambitious small-satellite assemblers. Officials emphasized that industrial-scale capacity is essential to support constellations and to offer downstream services to governments and commercial operators.
First Earth-observation constellation moves into production
Production has begun on a 10-satellite Earth-observation constellation intended to deliver imagery and data services for a variety of civil uses. Orbit Works says the constellation will support applications including environmental monitoring, maritime domain awareness, and infrastructure planning.
Company sources indicated that initial units are already in assembly, with testing and integration processes staged across the KIZAD facility. The move to produce a dedicated constellation signals a shift from bespoke satellites toward recurring, scalable missions.
Local and international contracts underpin growth
Orbit Works has secured contracts with domestic public entities and state-linked organizations, underpinning the company’s commercial momentum. Among the agreements are partnerships with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, according to company statements.
These local contracts are intended to broaden the company’s portfolio beyond manufacturing, to include services that support national development priorities. Officials say the deals will also help validate production processes and demonstrate operational readiness for export customers.
Deal with French partner marks first collaboration with advanced space nation
In a milestone described by management, Orbit Works signed an agreement with a French partner, representing the company’s first collaboration with an established European space actor. The partnership is being framed as a knowledge- and technology-sharing step that enhances Orbit Works’ technical capabilities.
Executives characterized the agreement as evidence of growing international confidence in the UAE’s nascent space manufacturing ecosystem. They say the relationship will open channels for joint projects and could accelerate qualification of subsystems to international standards.
Regional outreach: talks with African and Asian states
Orbit Works is reportedly engaged in discussions with multiple African and Asian governments interested in procuring domestically manufactured satellites. Company leaders described these talks as part of a broader strategy to offer turnkey satellite solutions that support economic resilience and national security.
Officials framed the outreach as an opportunity to help partner states develop sovereign space capabilities while sustaining export-led growth for the UAE’s industry. The proposals reportedly include options for in-country assembly, training, and long-term service agreements.
UAE positioning: a civil and commercial space bridge between East and West
Company leadership said the broader objective is to help cement the United Arab Emirates as a regional space platform connecting Eastern and Western markets. Salem Al Alawi emphasized that the focus extends beyond defense-related applications to commercial and civil sectors, including environmental monitoring, maritime services, and infrastructure support.
Al Alawi added that recent global developments have underscored the importance of resilient, locally based manufacturing and services. He argued that industrial capacity and international partnerships will be central to ensuring operational continuity and economic sustainability.
Orbit Works plans to continue scaling production and deepening international partnerships as it moves from prototype projects to larger constellation programs. The company views the KIZAD facility and its initial contracts as foundational elements for expanding the UAE’s footprint in commercial satellite manufacturing and services.