By Gulraiz Khalid
In an era defined by the fusion of space and digital transformation, Space42 stands out as a bold integrator of satellite communications, geospatial intelligence, and next-generation connectivity. Born from the 2024 merger of Bayanat and Yahsat, Space42 has rapidly extended its mission well beyond traditional satellite services — into Earth observation, AI-driven analytics, and the emerging world of direct-to-device connectivity.
At the heart of this ambitious strategy is Elmuiz Saad, Senior Vice President Commercial, whose vision blends commercial pragmatism with big-picture innovation. “We’re building a platform that serves governments, enterprises, and end-users with one integrated technology stack — from conventional MSS [Mobile Satellite Services] to AI-enabled location intelligence and consumer connectivity,” Saad tells Teletimes.
Four Strategic Pillars Driving Growth
Space42’s strategic framework rests on four interconnected pillars:
1.Space Services — expanding satellite communications and managed solutions;
2.Smart Solutions — geospatial data and AI analytics;
3.Direct-to-Device Connectivity — a disruptive hybrid of space and terrestrial networks; and
4. Manufacturing and Sovereign Infrastructure — localized production of satellites and high-altitude platforms.
This multi-pronged approach ensures Space42 isn’t just a space operator, but also a provider of intelligence, connectivity, and sovereign capability worldwide.
Connecting the Globe — From Thuraya-4 to Universal Access
The recent commercial launch of the Thuraya-4 L-band satellite expanded Space42’s footprint across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, reinforcing its role as a leading provider of resilient communications. Saad highlights the importance of a comprehensive service portfolio: “Our goal is to unify connectivity solutions so customers don’t need to piece together disparate technologies from different vendors.”
And while MSS remains a backbone, Space42 is innovating rapidly in hybrid services — driven by strategic partnerships and technological evolution.
“Our goal is to unify connectivity solutions so customers don’t need to piece together disparate technologies from different vendors”
Map Africa: A New Geospatial Foundation for Development
One of Space42’s most ambitious Smart Solutions initiatives is the Map Africa Initiative — a five-year plan to produce the most detailed, continent-wide base map ever created, in collaboration with Microsoft and Esri.
This project will develop high-resolution, AI-enhanced base maps across all 54 African countries, enabling better infrastructure planning, logistics optimization, renewable energy deployment, environmental monitoring, and smart city development. With data accessible across governments, businesses, and local communities, Map Africa exemplifies how satellite-derived geospatial intelligence can fuel economic growth and innovation at scale.
“Map Africa exemplifies how satellite-derived geospatial intelligence can fuel economic growth and innovation at scale”
“Accurate, dynamic data is the foundation for smart decision-making,” Saad notes. “Map Africa represents not just a mapping project — it’s a data infrastructure that unlocks opportunities across industry, governance, and society.”
Equatys: Redefining Connectivity with Direct-to-Device Services
Perhaps the boldest frontier for Space42 is Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity — enabling standard smartphones and IoT devices to connect directly with satellites without modifying hardware or SIM cards. This vision takes shape through Equatys, a joint venture with Viasat designed to deliver global connectivity rooted in an open, standards-based 5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) architecture.
Equatys is built on the largest coordinated block of harmonized MSS spectrum, with ambitions to cover more than 180 markets worldwide and create a hybrid ecosystem where terrestrial cellular and space networks operate seamlessly. “Think of Equatys as a global space tower,” Saad explains. “It extends connectivity everywhere while enhancing the reach and efficiency of terrestrial infrastructure.”
“We’re enabling mobile operators to extend their reach without sacrificing spectrum or infrastructure, while preserving user experience and network performance”
This vision is already attracting major ecosystem partners. In October 2025, Space42 and e& UAE signed an MoU to explore deployment of 5G D2D services using the Equatys platform, aiming to combine terrestrial 5G with space coverage for enhanced user experiences.
For Saad, the Equatys model isn’t about competition with network operators — it’s about complementing them. “We’re enabling mobile operators to extend their reach without sacrificing spectrum or infrastructure, while preserving user experience and network performance,” he says.
Sovereign Manufacturing and Strategic Infrastructure
Space42’s long-term strategy also includes localized aerospace manufacturing, a critical element for sovereign capability and regional leadership.
In Abu Dhabi, Space42 — in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) — is establishing the Middle East’s first commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite manufacturing hub. This facility will allow design, assembly, and testing of advanced Earth observation satellites locally, building sovereign space capability and creating highly skilled jobs.
Additionally, Space42’s Mira Aerospace subsidiary has opened MENA’s first High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) manufacturing facility, capable of producing over 20 advanced UAV systems annually. These platforms support terrestrial connectivity augmentation, environmental monitoring, and defense applications, further strengthening Space42’s integrated ecosystem.
Balancing Commercial Growth and Strategic Impact
Space42’s hybrid business isn’t just about selling services — it’s about architecture, infrastructure, and capability building. Even as the company reported a transitional revenue mix in 2025, with focus shifting toward programme-aligned engagements, its foundation has strengthened through recurring government contracts, advanced product launches, and long-term infrastructure commitments.
Saad frames Space42’s role as both commercial and mission-driven: “We succeed when our partners succeed — when governments can plan smarter, when enterprises can operate with real-time intelligence, and when users can stay connected everywhere.”
Looking Ahead: Innovation at Scale
From deepening partnerships to delivering continental-scale mapping, advancing sovereign manufacturing, and enabling universal connectivity, Space42 is asserting itself as a new kind of space technology company — one that blends commercial scale with strategic impact.
“Innovation is non-negotiable,” Saad concludes. “We’re building the infrastructure — physical, digital, and regulatory — that allows space to truly uplift economies, societies, and everyday lives.”
With its ecosystem expanding across continents and platforms, Space42’s trajectory underscores a broader transformation in how we connect, understand, and interact with our planet — from orbit to handheld devices.
