Space42 and Viasat Formed Equatys Satellite Venture
The joint venture aims to develop a shared network with a total investment commitment of $1 billion in equity.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Space
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Space42 and Viasat have established a joint venture named Equatys to operate a shared satellite and ground network. The venture begins with an initial constellation of fewer than 200 satellites but plans to scale up to 2,800 units.
Why it matters
Gulf states are prioritizing space infrastructure as a core component of national security and economic diversification. By investing in domestic supply chains, these nations seek to build resilience against potential regional conflicts.
The Equatys joint venture has secured a $1 billion equity commitment to launch an initial satellite constellation of fewer than 200 units. Plans involve expanding this network to 2,800 satellites, while the wider regional space sector targets $3.2 billion in spending by 2034.
The players
Space42
An Abu Dhabi-based company that utilizes AI-powered geospatial intelligence platforms to process raw satellite data.
Viasat
A United States-based communications company that provides global satellite connectivity services and network infrastructure.
International Holding Company
A major investment conglomerate based in the UAE that recently acquired an 80% stake in Marlan Holding through its subsidiary.
Marlan Space
An Abu Dhabi-based space enterprise that collaborated with Loft Orbital on the Orbitworks project.
Skylo
A technology provider that recently partnered with Space42 to test direct-to-device connectivity services for Android smartphones.
The details
Equatys will leverage integrated satellite and ground network technology to enhance geospatial intelligence and connectivity. This development follows recent regional milestones, including Space42's expansion of its Foresight constellation in June 2026 and direct-to-device service testing with Skylo in July 2026.
Timeline
August 2024: Marlan Space and Loft Orbital launched the Orbitworks project.
June 2026: Space42 added three synthetic-aperture-radar satellites to its constellation.
July 2026: Space42 and Skylo tested direct-to-device SMS and emergency SOS capabilities.
September 2026: Space42 and Viasat announced the formation of the Equatys joint venture.
2034: Targeted year for regional space sector spending to reach $3.2 billion.
Deeper Dive
This venture represents a strategic expansion of infrastructure that builds upon the foundational capabilities established by the Foresight constellation. It signals a move toward high-capacity, integrated ground-to-space networks as the region increases its technological output.
Future deployment of the expanded 2,800-satellite constellation could lead to significantly more reliable global connectivity and faster emergency response times. Users may eventually benefit from more robust direct-to-device communication capabilities as these shared network technologies mature.
The takeaway
The formation of Equatys illustrates the massive capital shift toward sovereign space capabilities in the Gulf region. This trend suggests that space connectivity will become an increasingly vital pillar of national security and digital economic infrastructure in the coming decade.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Space exploration and infrastructure development.
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