Altair - Orbitworks

OUR FLAGSHIP CONSTELLATION

Altair Turns Space Data Into Actionable Intelligence

Altair is Orbitworks’ AI-enabled Earth observation constellation, built to deliver faster, more operational intelligence from orbit. Developed and operated from Abu Dhabi, Altair combines multi-sensor sensing with onboard processing to help organisations move from detection to decision with greater speed and responsiveness.

OVERVIEW

A New Model for Earth Observation

Altair is a 10-satellite Earth observation constellation developed by Orbitworks to deliver faster, sovereign and highly responsive intelligence from space. Unveiled in 2025, Altair is being assembled in Abu Dhabi with first launches planned for 2026.

Unlike traditional systems that downlink raw imagery for later processing, Altair combines sensing and onboard compute so mission-ready outputs can be generated in orbit and delivered with lower latency to the user.

WHAT SETS ALTAIR APART

Built for Faster, Smarter Intelligence

Altair goes beyond data collection. It combines advanced sensors, onboard AI and a mission architecture built to reduce the delay between observation and action.

Multi-Sensor by Design

Sub-meter Optical, shortwave infrared, thermal, hyperspectral and RF sensing operate together on a single platform, allowing multiple data types to be collected at the same time. This creates a more complete operational picture without relying on separate assets.

AI at the edge

Altair processes data onboard, in orbit. Instead of raw imagery, users receive analysis-ready intelligence automatically, from the moment of detection.

Near real-time delivery

From detection to insight in minutes. Built for fast-moving situations where the intelligence window is short and the cost of delay is high.

Designed for Operational Use

Built to support defence, resilience, infrastructure and commercial operations where timely awareness and reliable outputs matter.

CONSTELLATION SNAPSHOT

Altair at a Glance

A flagship system built for high-frequency, AI-enabled Earth observation from the UAE.

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Planned satellites

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Integrated sensor types

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First launch planned

SENSOR CAPABILITY

Five Complementary Ways to See More

Altair combines five sensing modes to create a broader, deeper understanding of activity, conditions and change on Earth. Each sensor contributes a different layer of intelligence, helping users see more than imagery alone can provide.

Sub-meter Optical

High-resolution visual observation for mapping, identification and day-to-day monitoring.

Shortwave Infrared

Enhanced visibility for material differentiation, environmental analysis and challenging observation conditions.

Thermal

Temperature-based detection for industrial activity, environmental events and heat-related anomalies.

Hyperspectral

Detailed spectral analysis for material identification, land assessment and subtle environmental change.

RF

Detection of radio-frequency activity to reveal signals, emitters and patterns not visible through imagery alone.

HOW IT WORKS

From Detection to Decision Support

Altair is designed to reduce the time between sensing and action by combining multi-sensor collection with onboard analysis and faster delivery of useful outputs.

01

Sense

Multiple sensors collect complementary data across the same mission environment.

02

Process

Onboard compute and AI-enabled workflows analyse data in orbit rather than waiting for full ground-based processing.

03

Act

Users receive more useful intelligence faster, helping support time-sensitive decisions and operations.

APPLICATIONS

Built for High-Value Mission Use Cases

Altair supports missions across defence, civil and commercial sectors where speed, coverage and situational awareness matter.

Defence

Persistent intelligence, RF awareness and monitoring capability to support security operations, border and coastline oversight, and mission-critical situational awareness.

RF interference and jamming detection
Border and maritime monitoring
Persistent intelligence support

Civil

Space-based insight for disaster response, land and environmental monitoring, and national infrastructure oversight, helping agencies respond more effectively and plan with greater confidence.

Disaster response and resilience planning
Environmental and land monitoring
National infrastructure oversight

Commercial

Operational visibility for assets, routes, sites and supply chains, supporting faster decisions and more useful intelligence across commercial environments.

Asset and site monitoring
Supply chain and route visibility
Forecasting and operational data services

WHY IT MATTERS

A Flagship Capability for a New Space Model

Altair is more than a constellation launch. It represents Orbitworks’ broader model: sovereign infrastructure in the UAE, faster access to operational capability and a shift from raw collection towards intelligence designed for action.

Built in the UAE

Supports sovereign capability through local assembly, integration and mission infrastructure.

Operational by design

Built around practical outputs rather than imagery alone.

AI-enabled in orbit

Uses edge compute to analyse data closer to collection.

Scalable flagship system

Anchors Orbitworks’ larger ambition to build export-ready space infrastructure from Abu Dhabi.

SEE IT IN ACTION

A New Way to Deliver Actionable Intelligence from Orbit

START YOUR MISSION

Talk to Orbitworks About Altair

Whether you are preparing payload hardware, moving towards qualification or looking for a stronger route through Assembly, Integration & Testing, Orbitworks can help define the next step.