Ashraf AboArafe
The Saudi Space Agency signed a memorandum of understanding with NorthStar, the world leader in the fields of monitoring and tracking space objects. Through it, they aim to strengthen their cooperation in order to evaluate and explore various opportunities that may arise in the future, and to exchange experiences and knowledge in the field of space situational awareness.
The agency was represented by His Excellency the CEO of the Saudi Space Agency, Dr. Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi, and on the company’s side, its CEO, Stuart Payne.
The two sides will work in accordance with the memorandum; To support the growth of the space industry in the Kingdom, develop research and development capabilities, and explore opportunities in building a center of excellence specialized in space situational awareness, in addition to space traffic management, with a focus on research and exploration in space sustainability, the space environment, and various sensor technologies such as optical technologies and radar devices. and radio frequency, and explore advanced data analytics capabilities.
In a related context, the Saudi Space Agency signed, on the sidelines of the Space Debris Conference in the capital, Riyadh, a memorandum of understanding with LeoLabs. With the aim of building a cooperative relationship in the field of space observation, exchanging relevant experiences and knowledge, in addition to exploring future cooperation opportunities.
The agency was represented at the signing by His Excellency the CEO, Dr. Mohammed bin Saud Al Tamimi, while the company was represented by its CEO, Mr. Daniel Siberley.
According to the memorandum; The two parties will cooperate to support the growth of the Saudi space industry, develop research and development capabilities in space situational awareness data and innovative applications that contribute to the adoption of best practices and responsible oversight towards low Earth orbit, and explore an integrated set of long-term benefits for both parties of the memorandum based on the company’s potential investment in the Kingdom. In addition, the two sides will work to deepen their cooperation in areas and projects related to opportunities for strategic contributions that the company can provide in the field of awareness, and facilitate discussions with relevant authorities to establish facilities and subsidiaries in the Kingdom.
According to the memo; The agency will work to explore opportunities available to the company that can highlight the added value expected to be provided to the civil space business sector.
Dr. Al-Tamimi explained that the signing of this memorandum reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to developing and strengthening its space industry, enhancing its role in the field of space monitoring and active participation in finding solutions to the escalating challenges in this field, noting that the memorandum reflects the great commitment to international cooperation and building strategic partnerships to achieve progress and innovation in the field. outer space
He pointed out that the conference will provide a full opportunity to work closely to enhance communication with the leading parties in the space sector, both public and private, to improve monitoring and analysis capabilities, and to contribute effectively to combating all challenges of peaceful space exploration, including debris.
It is noteworthy that the Saudi Space Agency, in cooperation with its regional and global partners, aspires to work to enhance regional and global awareness about the challenges of space debris, and to this end it is working to organize its conference “Space Debris: Towards Securing the Future of the Global Space Economy,” which Riyadh is currently hosting with the participation of more than 50 countries. Around the world, and attended by more than 260 leaders, experts and speakers in the broad fields of space, with the aim of forming the largest platform for global dialogue to address this great challenge.
It is noteworthy that the agency’s continuous endeavor to deepen its partnerships with entities working in the space sector at the regional and global levels. It reflects the Kingdom’s firm commitment to enhancing cooperation to achieve space sustainability and progress in the field of space, in a way that develops its economy and stimulates its innovations to serve the Kingdom and all of humanity.
