Middle East Space Roundup: 1 to 7 April 2024
A summary of all the space news in the Greater Middle East over the past week, brought to you by AzurX
The following are the major space developments in the Greater Middle East region tracked by Middle East Space Monitor over the past week:
Iran and Israel in Annual Global Counterspace Capabilities Report
The Secure World Foundation’s annual Global Counterspace Capabilities Report was published this week, providing a tremendous open-source reference guide to military space activities and developments from around the world. The 2024 edition of the report includes an updated chapter on Iran’s military space and counterspace activities, and for the first time, a chapter on Israel’s capabilities and developments.
Iran’s Military Space and Counterspace Ambitions Face Significant Technological Challenges
Iran's space programme is still in its early stages, focusing on building and launching small satellites with limited capabilities. While Iran has demonstrated the ability to launch satellites independently of its civil space programme, it lacks the technological capacity for on-orbit or direct-ascent anti-satellite (DA-ASAT) capabilities, and there is currently little military motivation for such endeavours. Despite successfully launching eight small satellites, Iran has faced challenges with larger satellite projects, experiencing delays and failures in achieving orbit. Additionally, while Iran has made progress in developing space launch vehicles like the Qassed and Qaem-100, its space programme remains constrained by technological limitations, particularly in manoeuverability and command-and-control capabilities necessary for effective counterspace operations. Although Iran has shown proficiency in electronic warfare, including jamming commercial satellite signals, its counterspace capabilities are currently limited and primarily focused on non-destructive measures. The possibility of Iran developing destructive counterspace capabilities, such as kinetic kill vehicles or electromagnetic pulse weapons, remains speculative and faces significant technological and strategic hurdles. Overall, Iran's space programme is evolving, but its military utility in the realm of counterspace operations appears limited at present.
Israel’s Evolving Military Space and Counterspace Ambitions and Capabilities
Israel's space programme, initiated in 1988, primarily had civil objectives, with a notable focus on developing a missile defence system for endoatmospheric interception. However, recent developments suggest a shift towards enhancing military space capabilities, including the demonstration of an exoatmospheric missile defence capability and the utilisation of electronic warfare (EW) in active military engagements. While Israel hasn't explicitly pursued dedicated directed-ascent anti-satellite (DA-ASAT) technologies, its Arrow-3 missile defence system, co-developed with the U.S., could potentially serve in that role. Reports indicate instances of GPS jamming over the eastern Mediterranean region, with Israel's EW systems allegedly intercepting Iranian drones and causing disruptions to civilian aircraft navigation. Additionally, Israel is developing high-energy laser weapons like Iron Beam, intended for air-breathing threats, raising speculation about potential applications in counterspace operations. Limited space situational awareness (SSA) capabilities, primarily reliant on the ELM-2080 Green Pine radar, further underline Israel's evolving posture in space. Although Israel's current counterspace capabilities are predominantly focused on EW and reversible interference, the theoretical potential of its missile defence system poses implications for future military utility, necessitating continued monitoring and analysis within the industry.
Impact of Israel’s Navigation Warfare
Expert Warns of Adverse Effects of Israel’s Satellite Navigation Warfare
In one recent week alone over 1,500 aircraft faced concerning navigation disruptions attributed to deliberate global positioning system (GPS) interference, with intelligence sources pointing towards Russian involvement due to the proximity of disruptions to their military bases. Termed as "navigational warfare," these incidents highlight a growing trend, according to Yigal Unna, former head of Israel’s National Cyber Directorate. Unna, now involved in cyber business ventures, emphasised the significance of safeguarding GPS systems, crucial not only for navigation but also for various non-navigational functions in sectors like banking and corporations. He illustrated the potential dangers of GPS jamming and spoofing, citing instances where such disruptions posed risks to civilian and commercial activities. Unna recounted incidents where GPS interference affected operations at Haifa Port, emphasising the substantial financial costs and safety concerns associated with such disruptions. He stressed the importance of redundancy in GPS systems, especially in critical operations like aviation, where even slight deviations due to spoofing could lead to disastrous consequences. Unna highlighted the role of Israeli defence technology companies and startups in addressing these challenges, including Cyviation for aviation cybersecurity, Cydome for maritime vessel protection, and AccuBeat for providing alternative timing solutions independent of GPS. Unna noted the upcoming discussion on navigational warfare at Cybertech Global Tel Aviv, underscoring the growing global threat and the need for collaborative solutions.
Lebanon Files Complaint to UN about Israel’s GPS Jamming
The escalation of GPS jamming incidents in Lebanon amid fears of a potential Israeli ground invasion has triggered diplomatic concerns over civil aviation safety, prompting Lebanon to file a complaint at the United Nations. Experts attribute the jamming to Israel's defensive strategy against attacks on northern Israel, particularly through disrupting unmanned aerial vehicles reliant on GPS guidance. The interference poses risks to civil aviation, evident in instances where flights were unable to land due to GPS disruption. While alternative navigation systems exist, such as VOR and INS, modern aviation heavily relies on GPS, raising safety concerns if its reliability is compromised. The widespread impact of GPS interference underscores broader challenges in conflicts globally, with GNSS jamming affecting civil aviation in multiple countries. As GPS interference continues amid ongoing conflicts, ensuring aviation safety requires robust backup navigation systems and strategies to mitigate risks associated with GPS disruption.
Big Week for Israel’s Gilat Satellite Networks
Israel’s Gilat Announces $13 Million Orders for its SATCOM Modems
Israel’s Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd., a prominent player in satellite networking technology, solutions, and services, has announced the receipt of over $13 million in cumulative orders from multiple satellite operators to enhance their global SATCOM networks through Gilat’s SkyEdge IV multi-orbit, multi-service capabilities, complemented by its compatibility with SkyEdge II-c modems. These orders signify ongoing collaborations resulting from strategic partnerships with key satellite operators, underscoring the pivotal role of SkyEdge platforms in facilitating various applications such as in-flight connectivity, maritime mobility, cellular backhaul, and fixed data services. Hagay Katz, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Gilat, highlighted the escalating demand for SkyEdge platforms driven by network expansions and the delivery of diverse applications to an expanding user base. With SkyEdge IV, satellite operators can easily scale up based on real-time capacity needs, leverage backward compatibility with SkyEdge II-c modems, and seamlessly transition to Cloud and 5G NTN, ensuring enhanced operational efficiency and future readiness.
Subsidiary of Israel’s Gilat Wins $12 Million U.S. Army SATCOM Contract
Gilat also announced a significant contract worth $12 million awarded to its subsidiary, DataPath, Inc., by the United States Army for sustaining satellite connectivity in challenging environments. The contract entails the supply of Wavestream’s Solid State Amplifier (SSPA) products, renowned for their durability and reliability. These SSPAs will support Satellite Transportable Terminals (STTs) to ensure uninterrupted "Communications-on-the-Pause" for military operations worldwide. This achievement underscores Gilat's capacity to utilize its U.S.-based subsidiaries effectively, showcasing the synergy between Gilat Wavestream and DataPath, Inc. Bob Huffman, General Manager of Gilat Wavestream, emphasised the long-standing performance of Wavestream products in meeting the Army's communication needs, highlighting the technology's resilience in mission-critical scenarios. David McDonald, President of DataPath, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration and reiterated the commitment to excellence, reinforcing the position of DataPath and Gilat Wavestream as trusted partners of the U.S. defence community.
Israel’s Gilat Wins $3 Million Latin American Wi-Fi Contract
Lastly, Gilat has announced a significant contract award exceeding $3 million for a public WiFi project in Latin America. This expansion of their existing solution underscores the company's commitment to bridging the digital divide and promoting social inclusion. By extending the public WiFi infrastructure to hundreds of additional sites, Gilat aims to improve internet accessibility for thousands of individuals living in rural areas with limited terrestrial infrastructure. Hagay Katz, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Gilat, emphasised the company's dedication to deploying advanced networking solutions while highlighting the importance of initiatives focused on digital empowerment and social inclusion.
Azerbaijan’s Space Developments
Azerbaijan’s Azercosmos Reports Loss of Revenues in 2023
Azercosmos OJSC, Azerbaijan’s satellite and telecommunication services provider, reported revenues of $3 million from January to February 2024, with service exports contributing 77 percent to the total revenue. The company exported services to 45 countries, including Great Britain, Luxembourg, the UAE, Pakistan, and Germany, with significant revenue streams from these markets. However, compared to 2022, Azercosmos witnessed a decline in income, with 2023 revenues totaling $19.8 million, marking a decrease of $6.8 million. Despite this downturn, the company remains a significant player in the satellite and telecommunications sector, maintaining key partnerships with various countries for service provision.
Azerbaijan’s AzerSky-2 Earth Observation Satellite Due to Launch in 2026
The chairman of Azerbaijan’s Azercosmos state space corpration, Samaddin Asadov, announced plans to launch a new optical Earth observation satellite into orbit by 2026. This initiative stems from a cooperation agreement signed with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) during the 74th International Astronautical Congress in Baku. Named the Azersky-2 programme, it aims to enhance Earth surface observation capabilities in Azerbaijan and foster the country's space ecosystem. The programme entails the development of two remote Earth observation satellites equipped with high-resolution electro-optical sensors. IAI will lead the design, assembly, integration, and testing of the first satellite in collaboration with Azerbaijani experts, who will also receive training in satellite control and image processing. The satellites are scheduled for launch in 2026 and 2028, with the launch vehicle selection expected soon. Additionally, IAI will provide ground systems for managing and operating the Azersky-2 system in Azerbaijan as part of the programme.
Azerbaijan’s AzerSky-2 Earth Observation Satellite to Play Key Role in Climate Change Fight
Samaddin Asadov also highlighted the pivotal role of space technology in monitoring climate change during the "Climate Change View from Space" event in Baku. He announced the launch of the Climate Change from Space e-platform, emphasising its reliance on data from the Azersky-2 Earth observation satellite, which plays a key role in providing vital information for the platform. Asadov underscored the advantage of space technologies in accurately and efficiently studying ongoing changes and processes on Earth's surface, particularly in remote areas. The recent public launch of the e-platform, featuring information based on Azersky satellite data in two languages, aims to enhance awareness of climate change by providing accessible and comprehensive insights to the public.
New Azerbaijan Privatisation Law Opens Door to Private SATCOM Companies
A recent amendment to Azerbaijan's Law on the privatisation of state property has significant implications for the country's satellite communication sector. The revision excludes satellite communication infrastructure in geostationary orbits from the list of state property, thereby removing the previous restriction on their privatisation. This amendment, discussed and approved during a session of the Azerbaijani Parliament, signifies a shift in policy regarding the ownership and management of satellite communication assets. By allowing for potential privatisation of satellite communication facilities, Azerbaijan opens doors for private investment and innovation in its space industry, potentially leading to advancements in telecommunications and satellite technology within the country.
Iran’s Space Developments
Iran Plans to Launch Larger Capsule in Coming Year as Part of Its Human Spaceflight Ambitions
Hassan Salarieh, the head of the Iranian Space Agency, has unveiled plans to launch an enhanced biological capsule with increased weight and capacity in the upcoming year, building upon previous sub-orbital launches conducted last year. Salarieh emphasised the significance of technological testing to ascertain the viability of sustaining life in space, underscoring the need for sub-orbital launches to ensure high reliability. He highlighted Iran's commitment to gradually advancing its capabilities, stating that testing various technological factors is imperative before launching astronauts into space. Consequently, Iran aims to upgrade the existing capsule to accommodate higher weight and capacity, aligning with its long-term objectives in space exploration.
The Looming Threat of Iranian Cyber-Attacks against Satellite Systems
Iran's recent satellite launches have raised geopolitical concerns amidst tensions with the West and Israel following the Israel-Hamas war. While Iran has not directly engaged in the conflict, its proxies like Hamas and Yemen's Houthi rebels have intimidated Israel and the United States With Iran's expanding nuclear and satellite capabilities, there's a risk of indirect disruptions, such as cyber-attacks, to Western capabilities, particularly in communication and surveillance. Attacks on commercial satellites could lead to data loss, affecting both defence-related information and protected health data. Dr. Gregory Falco of Cornell University highlights vulnerabilities in satellite systems, like the "chatty bus," which could indicate backdoor installations. Defenders may use AI and Farsi specialists to detect potential threats, especially phishing attempts. Vigilance is crucial against a range of infiltration tactics, as threats to satellite systems could obscure monitoring of Iranian nuclear activities and compromise data accessibility and retention.
Iranian Company Working on Mixed Earth Observation, Communications Satellite Constellation
Iranian researchers at an unnamed knowledge-based company are undertaking the ambitious task of developing a satellite constellation capable of simultaneously conducting remote sensing and telecommunication missions. Led by Hossein Shahrabi Farahani, the company aims to merge the functionalities of their previous successes, the Kosar remote sensing satellite and the Hodhod narrowband telecommunication satellite, into a unified system. This constellation, set to capture images daily while facilitating real-time telecommunication, represents a unique endeavor in the space industry. Despite global leaders like the U.S. advancing in similar ventures, Iran's initiative stands out for its dual-purpose approach. Recent achievements, such as the launch of three home-made satellites—Mahda, Keyhan-2, and Hatef-1—via the Simorgh launcher, further highlight Iran's growing prominence in space exploration. Mahda, a research satellite, assesses the performance of the Simorgh launcher and evaluates indigenous technologies in space, while Hatef-1 and Keyhan-2 focus on narrowband communication technology and space-based positioning, respectively. Iran's trajectory in space innovation, marked by milestones like sending living creatures into space in 2010 and launching satellites like Omid, Rasad, and Navid, underscores its significant contributions to the global space landscape.
Other Regional Space News
UAE’s Higher Colleges of Technology to Build HCT-SAT-1 Under MBRSC Supervision
The UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) have initiated the HCT-SAT-1 project, marking HCT's first student-led space mission. The Earth-observation CubeSat project, scheduled for launch by the end of 2024, is being developed by HCT students under MBRSC engineers' guidance. This collaboration involves comprehensive knowledge transfer and mentorship across all satellite lifecycle phases, promoting space technology integration in education. Thirty-four HCT students across various engineering disciplines, supported by nine faculty members, work collaboratively on this interdisciplinary endeavor. H.E. Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General of MBRSC, underscores the project's role in fostering innovation and excellence among youth, aligning with UAE's space exploration goals. Dr. Faisal Al Ayyan, HCT President & CEO, emphasises the strategic importance of space research in driving human progress and elevating UAE's global standing in space exploration. The collaboration enhances applied education, equipping students with advanced space sciences knowledge and hands-on experience, crucial for career advancement in the space industry. This initiative not only enriches students' understanding of space science but also positions them as integral contributors to UAE's burgeoning space sector.
UAE’s Yahsat Appoints Amit Somani as its Chief Growth and Strategy Officer
Yahsat, the UAE's leading satellite solutions provider, has appointed Amit Somani as its Chief Growth and Strategy Officer. With over 27 years of experience in satellite communications and management consulting, Somani brings extensive industry knowledge, having previously served in various roles at Yahsat from 2010 to 2022. In his new position, he will oversee the company's growth strategy and global partnerships, aiming to diversify products and expand into emerging markets. Ali Al Hashemi, Group CEO of Yahsat, emphasised Somani's expertise and leadership, citing his role in the successful IPO and listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange in 2021. Somani expressed enthusiasm for contributing to Yahsat's mission and building upon its strategic partnerships and operational excellence. His return to Yahsat on 1 April 2024, follows a two-year tenure as CEO of ABS Global. Somani holds an Executive MBA from the London Business School and an MEng. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nottingham, UK.
Oman’s TRA Launches Public Consultation on Regulations for Maritime SATCOM
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Oman has launched a public consultation focusing on the regulations governing Earth Stations on Vessels (ESVs) operating in fixed-satellite service. This review encompasses frequency bands for both uplink and downlink, aiming to align with global standards and cater to the demands of Oman's telecommunications market. The consultation aims to foster research and development, create an investment-friendly regulatory environment, and ensure efficient resource management while promoting innovation. Key objectives include keeping abreast of technological advancements, enhancing communication service quality, and updating regulations to meet evolving needs. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback by 11 April 2024, signaling a significant step in shaping Oman's telecommunications sector.
Oman’s TRA Grants License to ETCO Space for Aman-1 Ground Station
Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has granted a third-category license to the Emerging Technologies Company (ETCO), enabling the establishment of a ground station connected to a satellite network for various purposes, including monitoring, tracking, and commanding satellites. With this license, ETCO aims to utilise satellite imagery for applications such as mapping, environmental monitoring, resource management, and disaster management. Notably, the recently launched satellite Aman-1, under ETCO Space, has already begun relaying images of Oman from low earth orbit, emphasising ground observation and remote sensing capabilities. The images captured highlight key geographic features like the Port of Sohar and the Al Hajar Al Gharbi mountain range, marking a significant milestone for ETCO Space in operationalising Aman-1's mission.
UAE’s Thuraya Partners with Algérie Télécom Satellite to Distribute SKYPHONE in Algeria
The UAE’s Thuraya Telecommunications Company, in partnership with Algérie Télécom Satellite, has announced the distribution expansion of the SKYPHONE by Thuraya smartphone in Algeria. Algérie Télécom Satellite will facilitate the distribution of the SKYPHONE through Mobile Network Operators and other authorised distributors across the country. This collaboration signifies Thuraya's enduring partnership with Algérie Télécom Satellite and its commitment to providing cutting-edge satellite communication services globally. The SKYPHONE, unveiled during the Mobile World Congress 2024, integrates cellular and satellite communication capabilities, offering users uninterrupted connectivity. Yassin Sellahi, CEO of Algérie Télécom Satellite, emphasised their dedication to delivering advanced satellite communication solutions to various sectors in Algeria. The SKYPHONE boasts superior specifications, including an Android 14 operating system, Qualcomm Kryo octa-core processor, IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, and a retractable satellite antenna for satellite communication activation. With features like dual nano-SIM card slots, the SKYPHONE extends coverage to areas without cellular tower access. This expansion aligns with Yahsat's broader strategy, Direct-2-Device, under PROJECT SKY, aiming to revolutionise connectivity solutions.
Sudan Suspends Broadcasts from Three Arab Satellite News Channels
Sudan's Ministry of Culture and Information suspended three Arab satellite channels, including Al Arabiya, Al Hadath, and Sky News Arabia, citing expired licenses and alleged unprofessional reporting practices. SUNA, the Sudanese state news agency, attributed the decision to a perceived lack of professionalism, transparency, and failure to renew licenses. The move sparked criticism from the Sudanese Journalists Syndicate, denouncing it as a violation of press freedom that could stifle professional media voices while potentially fostering the spread of rumours and hate speech. Sudan already faces challenges in media freedom, ranking poorly in global press freedom indexes, with ongoing civil conflict exacerbating the difficulties for journalists.
Türkiye’s Plan-S and Italy’s D-Orbit Collaborate for Satellite-Enabled IoT and Earth Observation Solutions
Italy’s D-Orbit and Türkiye’s Plan-S have entered a significant partnership aimed at bolstering global Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity and Earth observation capabilities. The agreement involves launching eight 6U CubeSat’s across two missions scheduled for late 2024 and early 2025, utilising D-Orbit's ION Satellite Carrier for efficient constellation placement. Matteo Lorenzoni, Head of Sales at D-Orbit, underscores the collaboration's alignment with their innovative ethos and its potential to advance Earth's IoT and observation capabilities. Plan-S, established in 2021, has quickly become a major player in the New Space sector, focusing on IoT connectivity, Earth Observation, and Space as a Solution offerings tailored for sectors like maritime and agriculture. Emre Yanmaz, CFO of Plan-S, cites D-Orbit's OTV technology's reliability and efficiency as key factors in their decision to partner, envisioning a future where space technology addresses critical global challenges. This partnership signals a significant step forward for both companies in revolutionizing space logistics and technology, particularly in Türkiye, where Plan-S is driving innovation in IoT connectivity and Earth Observation. Together, their efforts are poised to make a substantial impact on IoT and Earth Observation, fostering a more integrated and sustainable future in space logistics and technology.
Qatar Set to Move Forward with Acquisition Process for Military SATCOM Capability
Reports from Qatar indicate that Qatari Emir Tamim Al Thani is prioritising the enhancement of military space capabilities, particularly through the acquisition of a military communications satellite. The Ministry of Defence has been directed to seek proposals for this initiative, with an estimated budget of $500 million allocated for a single payload. While the specifics of the satellite's capabilities remain general, Qatar is reportedly engaging with the Airbus-Thales Alenia-led consortium to explore options under the IRIS2 programme, aimed at developing a constellation of communication satellites with military-grade encryption in low-Earth orbit. Past interest in the Syracuse military communications satellite and an offer from Viettel have not met Qatari expectations. Qatar's pursuit of diverse offers, including from U.S. defence companies, underscores its strategic approach to meeting its defence needs and underscores its commitment to exploring various avenues for satellite acquisition.
Algeria and Italy Partner to Use Satellite Technology to Modernise Algerian Agricultural Sector
Algeria's ambition to modernise its agricultural sector, particularly in cereal cultivation, was underscored during the Italy-Africa summit in Rome, where Algeria, represented by Minister Ahmed Attaf, expressed its intent to collaborate with Italy on a project utilising satellite technology in agriculture. This initiative forms part of the broader "Mattei Plan for Africa," unveiled by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, aimed at bolstering cooperation between African countries and Italy. The project entails implementing "satellite surveillance of agriculture in Algeria," leveraging advanced satellite imagery to monitor irrigated areas designated for cereal production accurately. The partnership stems from agreements signed in January 2023 between the Algerian Space Agency (ASAL) and the Italian Space Agency (ASI), focusing on space activities for peaceful purposes and land observation. The Italian expertise will support Algeria's goal of modernising agriculture to increase cereal production, particularly in the southern regions, essential for the country's food security strategy. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's emphasis on transitioning to investment-based agriculture aligns with the government's commitment to revitalising the sector and harnessing modern technologies to revolutionise agricultural practices.
Other News in Brief
Among the other regional space and satellite developments over the past week are:
Luxembourg’s NewSpace Capital has appointed Hassan Karimi, co-founder of the UAE’s KHK & Partners, to its International Advisory Board;
Officials from Egypt participated in the NewSpace Africa conference in Angola;
Recommended Reading
Protecting Israeli Technology Amidst UAE, Israel, and China Space Cooperation
Naomi Kantor Itzhayek, Yoel Guzansky, and Galia Lavy write for Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) think-tank about a recent study that highlights the potential for indirect information transfer to China through the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which collaborates with both the United States, Israel, and China. This raises concerns for Israel, which aligns itself with the European–American space bloc, regarding the risk of technology transfer to China and potential friction with the U.S. Yet, the UAE's unique position in maintaining simultaneous collaborations with both the U.S. and China poses a dilemma for Israel, which seeks to expand its space capabilities through collaborations with friendly states. Despite this, Israel's focus on green energy cooperation with the UAE, a priority shared with China, could offer mutual benefits in advanced technology development. To navigate these complexities, Israel must establish clear limits on collaborations with the UAE and China to mitigate the risk of technology leakage to China and address U.S. security concerns. Dialogue between Israeli and American space agencies is crucial to understanding U.S. security measures in UAE collaborations, informing updated regulatory frameworks, and providing clear guidelines for Israeli entities engaged in space research.
Call for More Sanctions Against Iran’s Growing Space Capabilities
In Defense News, General William Shelton, U.S. Air Force (retired), a former commander of U.S. Air Force Space Command, and Yoni Tobin, a policy analyst at the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA) think-tank in Washington, DC, write that Iran's advancements in space technology pose significant concerns, particularly its strides in space launch vehicle (SLV) capabilities. Iran's reported use of solid-fuel propellants in SLVs could facilitate quicker and harder-to-detect missile launches, potentially shortening the timeline to an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Furthermore, Iran's satellite programme, bolstered by assistance from Russia, raises fears of enhanced intelligence-gathering capabilities and the potential for proxy attacks against U.S. allies. Iran's ability to interfere with military assets via satellite-based signal jamming adds another layer of concern, compounded by reported GPS jamming affecting civilian airline traffic in the Middle East. To address this threat, the United States must leverage diplomatic channels to reinforce sanctions and engage global partners, including Middle Eastern allies like Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel, to bolster deterrence and responsible behaviour in space. The U.S. national space policy emphasises the need to employ all elements of national power to deter hostile activities in space, underscoring the imperative for a strong message to Iran regarding the unacceptability of its current space activities.
Be sure to catch up with space activities in the region in the next edition of Middle East Space Monitor’s space roundup!