Sirb

Project Brief

Launch of a constellation of advanced imaging satellites for the Emirates, using the SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) technology. The constellation is to be named Sirb after the Arabic term for a flock of birds and will address the critical need for better environmental and land usage monitoring, data collection and analysis to meet today’s global challenges.

The planned satellites will be able to create highly detailed and complex radar ‘images’ of land use, ice cover, surface changes and characterization, with a wide range of scientific, civil and commercial applications.

The six-year satellite development program will see the first satellite launch in three years, a much faster time to launch than was possible using traditional earth observation satellite design principles

Project Objectives

• Create a consortium of UAE-based companies/entities to develop the mission and execute it with the aim of growing the national space sector
• Transfer of knowledge and know-how of SAR payload and mission development to the UAE while ensuring Emirati capability development in all critical areas.
• Obtain SAR payload IP to enable commercialization of the SAR payload/satellites nationally and globally.
• Commercialization of SAR data/analytics resulting from the Sirb constellation.
• Build/utilize existing required facilities in the UAE to enable in-country SAR payload development.
• Develop or work with existing UAE based companies to establish a space supply-chain.