Emirates SkyCargo flies Altair 1. Photo: Emirates Emirates SkyCargo has completed the transportation of Altair-1, the UAE's first commercial AI-enabled Earth observation satellite, marking another milestone in the country's growing space and advanced technology sector.
The satellite was transported aboard an Emirates SkyCargo Boeing 777 freighter from Dubai World Central (DWC) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). It was flown to the United States ahead of its planned launch in October 2026.
Altair-1 is the first of 10 satellites planned for the Altair constellation, which is being developed and manufactured in the UAE by Orbitworks.
Emirates SkyCargo flies Orbitworks' made in UAE satellite. Photo: EmiratesThe Altair constellation is designed to provide Earth observation data using several sensing technologies. The satellites combine optical, infrared, thermal and radio-frequency sensing capabilities , along with onboard artificial intelligence processing.
The technology is intended to provide analysis-ready intelligence for a range of applications, including environmental monitoring, disaster response, land and coastal-use analysis, maritime domain awareness, and resource and infrastructure assessment.
The combination of advanced imaging, orbital design and frequent revisit capabilities is expected to allow the constellation to collect data regularly across areas of interest.
For Orbitworks, the delivery of Altair-1 to the United States represents an important stage in preparing the satellite for launch.
"Altair-1 is the product of hard work by an incredible team, and today marks a historic moment, not just for Orbitworks, but for the UAE's ambitions in space," said Schahan Sediqi, General Manager of Orbitworks .
Emirates SkyCargo flies UAE made satellite.. Photo: EmiratesMoving a satellite requires specialized handling and strict environmental and safety procedures. Emirates SkyCargo said a dedicated team managed the transportation of Altair-1 from Dubai to Los Angeles, maintaining the required controls throughout the journey.
Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo , said the carrier was proud to support Orbitworks and highlighted the role of specialized air cargo services in the global aerospace sector.
The airline has previous experience transporting satellites and other sensitive aerospace equipment.
Most recently, Emirates SkyCargo transported Arab Satellite 813 from Dubai to its launch site near Shanghai, China. In 2018, the carrier also transported Khalifasat, the first satellite developed and built by UAE engineers, from Dubai to South Korea.
The Altair-1 shipment comes as Emirates SkyCargo continues to expand its dedicated freighter fleet and global network.
Since March 2026, the cargo carrier has received six Boeing 777-F production freighters and one Boeing 777-300ERSF converted from an Emirates passenger aircraft. It is scheduled to receive another four Boeing 777-F production freighters and one additional converted freighter later in 2026.
The expanded fleet has helped Emirates SkyCargo increase its global freighter network to more than 60 destinations, providing additional main-deck cargo capacity for specialized shipments.
The airline said it has transported more than 6,000 tons of aerospace and advanced engineering cargo in 2026, highlighting the growing importance of the sector within its specialized cargo operations.
Orbitworks was established in 2024 and is based in Abu Dhabi's Khalifa Economic Zones. The company was created through a partnership between Abu Dhabi-based Marlan Space and San Francisco-based Loft Orbital.
Altair-1 is now in the United States as preparations continue for its scheduled October launch. Once operational, it will become the first of 10 satellites planned for the Altair constellation.
The mission represents another step in the UAE's efforts to build domestic capabilities in satellite manufacturing, Earth observation and advanced space technologies, while Emirates SkyCargo's role demonstrates how specialized aviation logistics can support the country's expanding space industry.