**Emirati National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) and U-Space Sign Major Contract for Turnkey 12U Satellite**
*September 26, 2025* — The Emirati National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) has signed a significant contract with U-Space, a French smallsat constellation manufacturer, for the design and manufacture of a turnkey 12U satellite. This satellite will serve as the precursor to a future constellation dedicated to the Emirati LEONAV programme, which aims to deploy a Low Earth Orbit Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (LEO PNT) service.
This contract marks a major milestone for NSSTC in demonstrating its capability to deliver a LEO PNT service within the region. As a committed player in the new-space industry with proven experience in similar projects, U-Space is enthusiastic about supporting NSSTC in making this programme a complete success.
The collaboration embodies the long-term partnership between France and the United Arab Emirates in space research activities, sustained through active cooperation between the UAE Space Agency and the Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES). This partnership illustrates a shared commitment to exchanging skills and technologies and supporting innovative companies in both countries capable of addressing future technological and industrial challenges.
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**About U-Space**
U-Space has firmly established itself as an industrial smallsat integrator, responding rapidly to the growing demand for small satellites in European and international markets. The company offers two fully developed modular smallsat platforms — 12U and FreeForm — alongside tried-and-tested onboard software and an automated factory (U-Zine) located in Toulouse.
This unique combination enables U-Space to achieve reliability, rapid time-to-orbit, and high quality. The year 2025 is a scale-up year for U-Space, with four satellites launched, six currently in production, and a strong presence in France. The company is now expanding into the international market to sustain its exponential growth.
Learn more about U-Space:
Website: [www.u-space.fr](http://www.u-space.fr)
Email: [email protected]
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**About NSSTC**
Established in 2016 through strategic support from UAE University and the UAE Space Agency, the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) is dedicated to advancing the UAE’s capabilities in Earth Observation as well as Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technologies.
NSSTC leads the design, development, and operation of cutting-edge satellite missions aligned with national priorities. Central to NSSTC’s mission is a leadership-driven strategic approach that bridges academia and industry, accelerates innovation, and fosters local expertise within high-technology sectors.
The center provides hands-on access to real space missions, empowering students, researchers, and engineers to contribute directly to mission success. NSSTC also manages the UAE’s only comprehensive Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) facility, allowing the nation to build, test, and qualify space systems domestically.
Flagship missions such as Satellite 813 and the LEONAV LEO-PNT demonstrator highlight NSSTC’s expanding role in building national space capabilities and contributing to global space innovation.
Contact NSSTC:
Website: [www.nsstc.ae](http://www.nsstc.ae)
Email: [email protected]
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This collaboration marks an exciting step forward in the UAE’s space ambitions and reflects a robust international partnership dedicated to advancing space science and technology.
https://spacenews.com/new-contract-signed-between-the-nsstc-and-u-space-a-new-milestone-in-uae-france-cooperation-in-space-innovation/
