EDGE, an advanced defense tech group headquartered in Abu Dhabi, has launched a new space company, ‘FADA’, inspired by the Arabic word for space.
The new launch aims to fuel the group’s global impact, cement its position as a leader in space industry, and integrate next-generation solutions to its rapidly-evolving product portfolio. FADA’s mission is to develop sovereign space capabilities and homegrown technologies in the UAE.
By forging national and international partnerships and fostering vital synergies through the Transfer of Technology (ToT) and Transfer of Knowledge (ToK), FADA aims to establish a self-reliant sovereign space sector that meet the national and commercial requirements, elevating the UAE’s position in space innovation and technology sector.
FADA is also dedicated to contributing to the economic goals of the UAE, to transform the nation into a knowledge-based economy.
Hamad Al Marar Managing Director and CEO – EDGE Group
“The launch of FADA will enable EDGE to grow and fortify its position in the global space industry in line with the UAE’s vision of becoming a leader in space technologies, creating the blueprint for a self-sufficient and innovative ecosystem. This landmark development also adds next-generation solutions to our product portfolio, representing a strategic leap towards technological excellence and signaling our broader ambitions to be a disruptor in this critical domain.”
FADA will develop cutting-edge facilities for the development, manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing of various satellite systems and subsystems. It will function as a one-stop shop, catering to various space-related activities and offering end-to-end solutions and services to local and international customers.
The services include Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Optical (EO) and Infrared (IR) payloads, as well as satellite platforms, and satellite cybersecurity and protection services in addition to other space activities.
Waleid Al Mesmari, President, Space & Cyber Technologies, EDGE, stated that, “With the launch of FADA, EDGE reinforces its commitment to pioneering advanced technologies and forging local and global partnerships to establish next-generation facilities for the development of satellite systems, while building a sustainable and skilled space-focused workforce. We are pleased to drive this forward-thinking initiative which not only enhances our national capabilities and drives us positively towards a knowledge-based economy, but also sets a new benchmark in the global space landscape.”
The launch follows EDGE’s selection as the prime contractor for the UAE Space Agency to implement the ‘Sirb’ (Arabic for flock) programme, a constellation of three fully IP owned synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, EDGE’s first venture in the space domain.
Sirb programme, the UAE’s flagship space initiative, aims to launch Sirb-1 by 2026. The local industrial consortium comprising key players in the UAE’s private space sector and national centers will lead the program by collaborating with other industry players, SMEs, and start-ups to enhance the expertise and capabilities.
