Abu Dhabi’s Space 42 is set to begin manufacturing prototypes of platforms that will operate thousands of meters above the Earth’s surface later this year. This announcement was made by the firm’s managing director, Karim Sabbagh, during the Make it in the Emirates 2025 manufacturing conference in Abu Dhabi, as reported by the state news agency Wam. The manufacturing of these prototype platforms will take place at Space 42’s facility in Abu Dhabi, and they are designed to capture real-time data and provide high-speed communications from the lower part of the stratosphere.

The technology, known as High-Altitude Platform Station (Haps), can reach altitudes of 18 kilometers, entering a zone referred to as near-space, where no commercial aircraft or satellites currently operate. The Haps will allow unmanned aircraft to carry payloads for communications and Earth observation purposes. Mr. Sabbagh indicated that trials of this technology in African, Asian, and European markets are anticipated to commence in the coming months. These trials aim to validate operational capabilities and demonstrate the feasibility of the Haps concept.

The platforms will be operated by Mira Aerospace, a subsidiary of Space42. Additionally, Mr. Sabbagh outlined plans for Space42 to develop a non-terrestrial communications network that will leverage a constellation of satellites to provide global coverage, especially in areas that are underserved by traditional terrestrial infrastructure.