Sirb is a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) constellation to monitor the environment and climate being developed by a UAE consortium, as a UAE Space Agency project. The project aims to expand UAE capabilities and establish a space supply chain in the UAE.

Prerequisites:

• Satellite Manufacturing capabilities

• Ground segment capabilities

• Secure necessary orbital slots and frequency bands internationally for satellite operations

• Spectrum policy & coordination with telecom regulator; ITU procedures where applicable

• Cybersecurity, data protection, and continuity planning

• Government program authorization & multi‑year budget

• Procurement authority

• Skilled integrator/prime

Cost: S

• Ballpark: USD 150–800 M (depending on number, size, and resolution of satellites)

• Includes: mission and payload design for multiple satellites, satellite bus development, assembly/integration/verification (AIV) and testing, licensing and regulatory approvals, multiple launches and insurance, ground segment expansion (multi-satellite ops), constellation data management systems, training and technology transfer

Timeframe:

• Overall: 48–96 mo

• Phase: requirements definition & program setup (12–18 mo), design & development (18–30 mo), assembly, integration & testing (18–30 mo), launch & commissioning (6–12 mo)

Pros:

• Technological Independence - Fosters Technological independence Data

• Non-Dependence - Ensures sovereign access to EO data

Considerations:

• Investment Intensive - The project requires substantial initial investment, posing funding risks

• Timeline - Focusing on domestic development without using foreign technology may prolong the development process.