Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology

Astronomy and Space Science Research and Educationsaasst.ae

The Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST / SSAH) is a UAE government-affiliated research and academic institution that develops CubeSats, operates observatories, and conducts astronomy and space science research, serving students, researchers, and the public under royal patronage.

Company typePrivate
Founded2015
HeadquartersSharjah, United Arab Emirates
Headcount11–50
GTM typeB2B and B2C
OfferingServices

What Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology does

The Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST, recently rebranded as Sharjah Space and Astronomy Hub, SSAH) is a government-affiliated research and academic institution established in 2015 at the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. It operates under the patronage of the Ruler of Sharjah and functions as a public-good entity focused on astronomy, space science, and space technology research, higher education, and public outreach. Its primary stakeholders are university students, faculty researchers, the UAE government, international space agencies, and the general public reached through outreach programming.

The institution's core technical capabilities span six specialized laboratories: a CubeSat laboratory that has produced Sharjah-Sat 1 (launched 2023) and SharjahSat 2 (launched 2026); a meteorite laboratory curating 805 cataloged specimens and recording over 51,000 meteor observations; a rocket propulsion laboratory; a space weather laboratory; a high-energy astrophysics laboratory; and a Space AI laboratory. It operates radio and optical observatories on the main campus and is building the Al Qasimi Radio-Optical Observatory on Jebel Al-Kitab. It is registered with the International Astronomical Union since 2018, has executed 27 international and national partnership agreements, and has produced 134 research publications.

The institution's business model is government- and patron-funded rather than commercial. There is no disclosed revenue, pricing model, or commercial go-to-market. Operating funding flows from the Ruler of Sharjah's patronage and the University of Sharjah, with international collaboration sustained through formal agreements. Value is generated through research output, capacity building, satellite and observatory infrastructure, and public engagement rather than through commercial sales.

Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology firmographics

Firmographics

Name: Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology
Legal name: Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology
Website: https://saasst.ae
Company type: Private
Founded year: 2015
Operating status: Operating
Headcount range: 11–50 employees
Short description: The Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST / SSAH) is a UAE government-affiliated research and academic institution that develops CubeSats, operates observatories, and conducts astronomy and space science research, serving students, researchers, and the public under royal patronage.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology industry classification

Industry

Product category: Astronomy and Space Science Research and Education
NAICS: Space Research and Technology (927110)
SIC: Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
akta.pro primary industry: Space & Astronomy Programs (EDAMABAE)
akta.pro secondary industries: Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial) (IMABACAB), Spacecraft Propulsion (In-Space) & Thrusters (IMABACAE)

Keywords

Space science research
Astronomy education
Satellite development
Planetarium services
Space technology

Where Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city: Sharjah
HQ country: United Arab Emirates
HQ region: Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology business model

Business model

GTM type: B2B and B2C
Offering type: Services
Cost components: Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Operations

Revenue model

Educational Programs and Academic Services: The academy offers academic degree programs, professional diplomas, short training courses, and internship programs as part of the University of Sharjah. Revenue is generated through tuition fees, professional course fees, and academic service charges.
Planetarium and Public Shows: Revenue generated from planetarium show admissions, educational programs, and Cosmic Park exhibitions for visitors.
Government and Institutional Funding: As a university-affiliated academy under the University of Sharjah, the primary funding comes from government support, institutional grants, and royal patronage under His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi.
Conference and Event Hosting: Revenue from hosting conferences including the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences Conference (hosting the 14th edition), workshops, and international forums.
Satellite Development and Space Projects: Development and launch of CubeSats (Sharjah-Sat 1, SharjahSat 2) through partnerships, potentially generating revenue through satellite services and data products.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology product offering

Product offering

Core offering

SAASST is an astronomy and space science research and education institution that operates the Sharjah Planetarium, multiple specialized research laboratories (CubeSat, Meteorite, Rocket Propulsion, Space Weather, High-Energy Astrophysics, Space AI), astronomical observatories, and academic programs under the University of Sharjah. It develops CubeSat satellites (Sharjah-Sat 1 launched 2023, SharjahSat 2 launched 2026), houses a regional-scale meteorite collection, hosts the Arab Conference on Space and Astronomy, and delivers public planetarium shows, exhibitions, Cosmic Park visits, and educational outreach to students, researchers, and the general public.

Product overview

The Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST), operating as the Sharjah Space and Astronomy Hub (SSAH), is a comprehensive astronomy and space science institution organized around a multi-laboratory and facility-based structure. The Academy's portfolio centers on the Sharjah Planetarium (offering 16 shows plus exhibitions and Cosmic Park), satellite development through its CubeSat Laboratory producing Sharjah-Sat 1 and SharjahSat 2, six specialized research laboratories (Meteorite, Rocket Propulsion, Space Weather, High-Energy Astrophysics, Space AI), astronomical observatories (including radio-optical), and educational outreach programs. The Academy also publishes research and hosts conferences including the Arab Conference on Space and Astronomy. Together, these products form an integrated ecosystem for space science research, satellite technology development, public education, and astronomical observation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

Sharjah Planetarium

Quantifiable outcome

134 research publications produced by the academy
+7 more outcomes

Companies that use Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology

Customer profile

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API: No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Feature8 records

Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

University of Sharjah (UoS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSSAH/SAASST is an integral part of the University of Sharjah, founded under the vision and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Founder of UoS. The academy operates within the university campus and collaborates on academic programs, research initiatives, and student development.
UAE Space AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational space agency partner collaborating on satellite development projects including the Sharjah-Sat 1 and SharjahSat 2 CubeSat missions, and broader UAE space strategy initiatives.
Istanbul Technical UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational academic partner for space science research, satellite development, and educational collaboration in astronomy and space technologies.
University of LiverpoolmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational university partner collaborating on research programs, academic exchange, and space science initiatives.
Department of Town Planning and SurveyminorOthersGovernment partner for land use planning, site development, and observatory location assessment, particularly for the Al Qasimi Radio-Optical Observatory project on Jebel Al-Kitab.
Public Works Department (Sharjah)minorOthersGovernment partner for infrastructure development, facility construction, and engineering support for academy buildings and observatory facilities.
Sharjah Electricity & Water AuthorityminorOthersUtility partner providing electricity and water services to support academy operations and facilities.
Sharjah MunicipalityminorOthersMunicipal government partner for community engagement, environmental monitoring, and local regulatory coordination.
SpaceXcoreTechnology or IntegrationLaunch services provider for Sharjah-Sat 1 (SpaceX Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral, Florida) and SharjahSat 2 (SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Air Base, California), enabling the academy's satellite deployment capabilities.
International Astronomical Union (IAU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal astronomical organization through which the UAE was registered on August 27, 2018, with several UAE scientists also registered with IAU. SSAH represents the UAE's national voice in this prestigious international body.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Regional players

UAE Space Agency: Federal regulator and policy coordinator for UAE space activities. SAASST partners with the agency on Sharjah-Sat missions and operates in the same national space ecosystem with overlapping R&D and workforce-development goals.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC): UAE's primary national space center in Dubai operating the Hope Mars Mission and hosting UAE's astronaut program. Directly comparable as a UAE space-science and satellite-development institution operating in the same national ecosystem.
Turkish Space Agency (TUA): Turkey's national space agency coordinating civil space activities, satellite programs, and astrophysics research. Comparable as a regional government-backed space-science institution with academic ties (e.g., Istanbul Technical University, an SAASST partner).
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST): Saudi Arabia's national R&D body running satellite programs and astronomical research. Comparable as a Gulf-state government-backed institution combining satellite manufacturing, space research, and STEM outreach under royal sponsorship.
Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA): Egypt's national space agency operating satellite assembly, integration, and test facilities. Comparable as an Arab-world space research and satellite-development institution with academic partnerships and STEM outreach mandates.
National Space Science Agency (Bahrain): Bahrain's national space agency developing small satellites and astronomical capabilities. Comparable as a smaller Gulf-state institution pursuing CubeSat development and public space-science outreach in parallel to UAE programs.

Others

International Astronomical Union (IAU): Global body of professional astronomers through which SAASST registered the UAE in 2018 and registered UAE scientists. Comparable as the international scientific-astronomy umbrella organization that defines SAASST's external scientific legitimacy.
SpaceX: Launch-services provider for both Sharjah-Sat 1 and SharjahSat 2 CubeSats via Falcon 9. Direct operational partner and the only launch vehicle the academy has used, making it a structural dependency rather than a competitor.

Emerging players

California Institute of Technology / Caltech IPAC: Academic-led astrophysics and space-science research institution publishing extensively on high-energy astrophysics and planetary science. Comparable as an academic astronomy/space-science research center producing high-impact publications and operating specialized labs.

Broad incumbents

European Space Agency (ESA): Multilateral European space agency running flagship astrophysics, planetary, and Earth-observation missions. Comparable as a large-scale space-science research and technology organization; SAASST engages with international counterparts at a much smaller scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology compliance and trust

Trust signal

Compliance1 record

Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology

What does Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology do?

Is Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology a public or private company?

Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.

When was Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology founded?

Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology was founded in 2015. It employs 11 to 50 people.

Where is Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology based?

Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology is headquartered in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, in the Middle East region.

How does Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology make money?

Five revenue lines are on record. Educational Programs and Academic Services are the primary driver. The others are planetarium and Public Shows, government and Institutional Funding, conference and Event Hosting and satellite Development and Space Projects.

Who are Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology's main competitors?

Regional players on record are UAE Space Agency, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), Turkish Space Agency (TUA), King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA) and National Space Science Agency (Bahrain). Others are International Astronomical Union (IAU) and SpaceX. California Institute of Technology / Caltech IPAC is listed as an emerging player. European Space Agency (ESA) is listed as a broad incumbent.

Does Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology have an API?

No public API is recorded for Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology.

What industry is Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology in?

Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology's product category is Astronomy and Space Science Research and Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAMABAE, Space & Astronomy Programs, with a secondary code of IMABACAB, Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial). Its NAICS code is 927110 and its SIC code is 3760.