From integration to impact: The new era of space
Karim Sabbagh
Managing Director, Space42
The space industry has long operated through specialization. For decades, satellite communications and geospatial intelligence developed along separate tracks, serving distinct markets with specialized capabilities. That separation may not be relevant going forward. Today, governments and enterprises need integrated solutions that deliver actionable intelligence and communications platforms they can use to make better decisions, faster.
One year ago, we launched Space42 to address this shift, bringing together satellite communications, geospatial analytics, and AI into a unified platform. This first edition of “The Orbit” captures where we are in that journey: what we have built, what we have learned, and where the industry is headed.
Our foundation is strong. Space42 builds on a decades long legacy of operational excellence in satellite communications and AI-powered geospatial analytics, combining proven infrastructure with advanced technical capabilities. Our work aligns with the UAE’s vision to build sovereign capabilities in space and AI, positioning the nation as a hub for advanced technology. This heritage gives us the scale and depth to compete on the global stage while serving critical missions closer to home.
The timing matters. The global space economy is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2040, driven largely by demand for resilient communications and geospatial intelligence. Urban planners build smarter, more resilient and sustainable cities. Energy companies apply geospatial data and AI analytics to optimize remote operations. Governments secure borders and manage emergencies through our communications platforms. Telecommunications providers extend connectivity to underserved regions through non-terrestrial networks. Our role is to make these capabilities accessible, trusted, and applied where they create the most value.
Whether you are shaping government policy, managing enterprise operations, or developing technical solutions, this magazine offers practical insights into how space technology is reshaping your sector. Our leaders, engineers, and product teams share their perspectives on the platforms and applications shaping our world. I hope this first edition offers you valuable perspectives on where the industry is heading and what becomes possible when capabilities move beyond isolated systems to integrated platforms.
Thank you for joining us on this journey.
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