The satellite is equipped with an Earth observation payload, with very-high-resolution optical capabilities and completed by a ground system for monitoring, receiving and processing images. It will be controlled and managed by Emirati operators.

The FalconEye satellite, to be orbited by Flight VS24, will be the space component of the system, and will have a dual mission: support the needs of UAE Armed Forces and provide commercial imagery for the market. Weighing approximately 1,190 kg at launch, it will be placed in a Sun-synchronous orbit at 611km from the Earth.

FalconEye will be the 98th Earth observation satellite launched by Arianespace.

Earth observation missions represent more than 13% of the total number of satellites launched by Arianespace.

FalconEye is built by a the consortium led by Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space.

As industrial prime contractor, Airbus Defence and Space was in charge of the platform and satellite design, integration and tests.

Thales Alenia Space, as co-prime, designed and supplied the high performance payload including the high resolution optical instrument and the image chain subsystem.

In the 40 years since Arianespace’s creation, the launch services company has maintained a fruitful cooperation with Airbus. FalconEye will be the 129th Airbus Defence and Space satellite to be launched by Arianespace. There currently are 19 Airbus Defence and Space satellites in Arianespace’s backlog.

FalconEye will be the 164th satellite manufactured by Thales Alenia Space to be launched by Arianespace. There currently are five Thales Alenia Space satellites in Arianespace’s backlog.

FalconEye will be the 23rd cooperative mission launched by Arianespace that has brought Airbus Defence and Space together with Thales Alenia Space.