INNOSPACE has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UAE-based Madari Space to explore joint development and commercial opportunities in space-based data infrastructure. The agreement was formalised during the Dubai Airshow, held from 17 to 21 November, and marks a new collaboration between a South Korean launch services provider and a rapidly emerging player in orbital data centre technology.
Under the MOU, the two companies will investigate opportunities to establish space data centres in the UAE and develop services that integrate satellite operations with launch capabilities. The partnership aims to support the growing global demand for data processing and storage in low Earth orbit, as well as the increasing need for sovereign and resilient data infrastructure.
INNOSPACE will contribute its experience in system development, component and environmental testing, launch operations and data transmission. Madari Space, based in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, will provide expertise in orbital data centre architecture and leverage its regional networks. Supported by the UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund, Madari Space is preparing to launch a pilot orbital data centre into low Earth orbit in 2026 in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.
Madari Space said the partnership reflects efforts to build secure, AI-enabled orbital data systems that can support national data protection requirements. INNOSPACE said the collaboration forms a strategic basis for expanding its business model beyond launch services into new areas of space-based data infrastructure and commercial applications.
Both companies expect to assess opportunities for technically integrated services and long-term market development as demand for space-based computing and data storage grows.
Photo – From left: Sharif Al Romaithi, CEO of Madari Space; Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency; Soojong Kim, CEO of INNOSPACE.
