Bishkek, Oct. 3, 2026 /Kabar/. Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy (ADMA), part of AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), has signed an agreement with Kyrgyz Sputnik to support the launch and development of the Kyrgyz national space programme. Under the agreement, ADMA will provide scientific, methodological and capacity-building support to the initiative. At the core of the programme is a joint satellite project centred on Altair, a satellite scheduled for launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on 1 October 2026 at 11:19. Altair is expected to become Kyrgyzstan's first spacecraft which transmit satellite data on a regular basis. Equipped with multispectral and infrared sensors, Altair will support applications including agricultural productivity, water-resource management and greenhouse-gas monitoring. A space monitoring centre has also been established in Kyrgyzstan to process and use the incoming data, with ADMA providing scientific and methodological support. The programme will be supported through access to Earth-observation capacity from Altair, Orbitworks' AI-enabled satellite programme. Altair is operated by Orbitworks, an Emirati satellite manufacturing company based in Abu Dhabi. Kyrgyzstan will access relevant satellite capacity and data services to support its national space programme through the Academy. Dr. Yasser Al Wahedi, President, Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, said: "This collaboration demonstrates how applied science and advanced Earth-observation capabilities can support national development priorities. Through ADMA's scientific, methodological and capacity-building contribution, we look forward to supporting the launch of Kyrgyzstan's national space programme and enabling the effective use of satellite data across agriculture, water management, environmental monitoring and infrastructure planning." He added: "We extend our warmest congratulations to the Kyrgyz Republic and its people on the launch of the country's national space programme. This important milestone opens a new chapter for Kyrgyzstan's science, technology and economy. We are honoured to support our Kyrgyz partners in building the knowledge and practical capabilities required to use Earth-observation data for national priorities." Marat Tursumbekov, chief executive, Kyrgyz Sputnik, said: "This agreement represents an important step in developing Kyrgyzstan's national capabilities in space technology and the practical use of Earth-observation data. Working with Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy will support knowledge transfer, specialist development and the application of satellite information to priority areas including agriculture, water resources, environmental monitoring and infrastructure planning." The agreement reflects AD Ports Group's ongoing engagement in Central Asia and strengthens cooperation in science, technology, logistics and infrastructure development.
