MetaSensing, a leading innovator in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) remote sensing, has been appointed to supply the SAR payload for Sirb, the UAE National SAR Constellation Programme for Earth observation. This represents a significant commercial SAR constellation deal for MetaSensing and ushers in a new phase of advancement in Earth observation capabilities.
MetaSensing is working in partnership with ST Engineering on the satellite platform, which has been selected by FADA of EDGE Group as part of the wider effort to advance sovereign space and satellite capabilities in the UAE. MetaSensing will supply the StarSAR-X radar payload and deliver a technology and knowledge transfer programme. The collective efforts will enable high-resolution, all-weather, day-and-night Earth observation capabilities for the programme.
Named after the Arabic word for a flock of birds, Sirb will see the project’s first satellite launched within three years and has been designed to monitor national borders, critical infrastructure and environmental change as well as improve their responses to natural disasters. This will prove especially important in regions where traditional optical satellites are limited by cloud cover, darkness or dust.
MetaSensing’s StarSAR-X technology plays a key role in this project. It is a compact, high-performance X-band radar payload capable of sub-meter resolution, multiple imaging modes and is designed for scalable constellation deployment. StarSAR-X delivers strategic surveillance capabilities previously accessible only through large national space programmes.
“This is a defining moment for MetaSensing.” said Adriano Meta, CEO of MetaSensing, “During 17 years of focusing on developing SAR technology, we have always believed in the disruptive potential of SAR technology and this contract proves that our innovative, scalable approach resonates globally. It confirms our role as a reference player in the new space economy.”
Giovanni Tortolano, CFO of MetaSensing, added: “Reaching this agreement required addressing highly complex technical and financial considerations. The commitment from all parties has been extraordinary. This is not just a commercial success, but a strategic step toward long-term sustainable growth for MetaSensing.”
Over the past five years, countries throughout the Middle East have expanded their space-based Earth observation capabilities, driven by strategies focused on resilience security, large-scale infrastructure planning and a need for autonomy in defence capabilities. SAR technology is becoming a key in this strategy which represents a growing opportunity for MetaSensing.
Independent analysts forecast that the region’s EO market will more than double by 2030.
MetaSensing contribution will play a key role in this significant expansion of the region’s Earth observation capacity and accelerate the adoption of SAR technology across security, resilience monitoring and smart infrastructure management.
