Middle East Space Roundup: 1 to 7 July 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:
Bahrain Hosts International Space Forum
Bahrain’s International Space Forum: GCC Space Economy Revenues Exceed $10 Billion
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) space industry has reached a significant milestone, with revenues exceeding $10 billion, according to GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al Bedaiwi. Speaking at an international space forum in Manama, Bahrain - the first of its kind in the region - Al Bedaiwi highlighted the sector's integral role in national development plans across member states. The industry's rapid growth has led to innovative techniques and creative platforms, with global space investments reaching $272 billion over the past decade. Gulf Arab states have successfully established relevant bodies and institutions to support their space exploration initiatives, with notable achievements including the UAE's first mission to Mars and collaborative efforts in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The success of Gulf Arab astronauts, particularly the UAE's Sultan Al Neyadi's spacewalk, has brought pride to the region. This growth and these accomplishments underscore the GCC's commitment to becoming a significant player in the global space industry, aligning with broader economic diversification efforts and technological advancement goals in the region.
Bahrain Hosts 6th International Space Forum at Ministerial Level
The 6th International Space Forum at Ministerial Level – The Gulf Chapter (ISF 2024) was held for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain 2 July 2024, highlighting the growing importance of the space sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The forum, supported by the International Astronautical Federation and the Italian Space Agency and hosted by Bahrain’s National Space Science Agency (NSSA), focused on space exploration's future and its role in diplomacy and economic development. GCC Secretary General Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi noted that the space economy in GCC countries is valued at over $10 billion, with global investments in space exploration reaching $272 billion since 2013. The event showcased the GCC countries' achievements in space, including the UAE's Hope Probe mission, Saudi Arabia's astronauts on the International Space Station, and various collaborative projects with international partners. The forum emphasised the importance of knowledge-sharing and collaboration between emerging and established space powers, aiming to encourage further investment in space science, applications, services, and human capital development in the region. This event underscores the GCC's commitment to advancing its capabilities in the space sector and its potential for contributing to economic diversification and technological innovation.
Bahrain’s International Space Forum: GCC Secretary-General Meets With Australian Space Industry Representatives
During the 6th International Space Forum (ISF) in Manama, Bahrain, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem bin Mohammed Al Budaiwi met with Jeremy Hallett, chief executive of the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA). The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between GCC countries and the SIAA in technology investment and space policy formulation. Both parties emphasised the importance of strengthening ties in the space sector to serve mutual interests. Australia's desire to increase collaboration with GCC countries in outer space activities was also discussed. This meeting highlights the growing international interest in the GCC's space sector and underscores the potential for cross-regional partnerships in space technology and policy development. Such collaborations could lead to significant advancements in both regions' space industries, fostering innovation, economic growth, and technological exchange in the rapidly evolving global space sector.
Iran Space Developments
Western Intelligence Agencies Increasingly Concerned With Russian Assistance to Iran’s Space Programme
Iran's rapid advancement in its space programme has raised significant concerns among Western countries, in particular the United States and France, with growing evidence suggesting substantial assistance from Russia. This development marks a notable shift in Iran's technological capabilities and potentially its geopolitical positioning. The collaboration between Iran and Russia in space technology could have far-reaching implications for regional and global power dynamics, particularly in terms of satellite capabilities, missile technology, and overall space presence. This progress not only enhances Iran's domestic technological capabilities but also potentially strengthens its strategic position in the Middle East. The situation underscores the complex interplay of international relations, technology transfer, and strategic partnerships in the space sector, highlighting the need for heightened diplomatic and security considerations from Western powers. As Iran's space programme continues to evolve with Russian support, it may prompt a reevaluation of international space cooperation agreements and sanctions policies.
Iran and Russia Poised to Sign Comprehensive Agreement to Bolster Iranian Space and Nuclear Programmes
Russia and Iran are poised to sign a new comprehensive agreement to deepen their military cooperation and formalise their defence collaboration, potentially strengthening their shared opposition to Western interests. This agreement, following a similar 20-year pact signed in 2001, is expected to reflect the "unprecedented upswing" in relations between the two countries. Experts suggest that the agreement could encompass a range of collaborations, including joint ventures in oil and gas production, advanced weaponry development, military exercises, and intelligence sharing. The partnership is seen as an attempt by both countries to bypass Western sanctions and enhance their resilience against economic pressures. Of particular concern is the potential for cooperation in nuclear and space domains, where Iran has significant interest and Russia has expertise. The agreement is also likely to impact regional dynamics, especially in the Middle East, though Russia's ongoing involvement in Ukraine may limit its immediate engagement in other conflict zones. While the full details and enforceability of the agreement remain uncertain, it signals a significant shift in geopolitical alignments and raises concerns among Western and Middle Eastern powers about the evolving strategic partnership between Russia and Iran.
Iran to Launch Two Privately-Built Satellites Imminently
Iran is advancing its civil space programme with plans to launch two privately developed satellites, Kowsar and Hodhod, as announced by Dr. Hasan Salarieh, head of Iran's Space Agency. The Kowsar satellite, designed for remote sensing, will have its imagery purchased by the Iranian Space Agency, while Hodhod will serve both research and communication functions. This initiative marks a significant step in supporting Iran's private space sector and creating a market for domestic space products. Despite facing Western sanctions, Iran continues to advance in its space capabilities, ranking among the top ten countries globally in satellite development and launch. The country's recent achievements include the launch of the indigenous Mahda research satellite and the Soraya satellite, demonstrating Iran's growing proficiency in developing and utilising domestic satellite launch vehicles. These advancements underscore Iran's commitment to expanding its space presence and technological self-reliance, despite international challenges.
Israel Space Developments
Israel’s Momentick Partners With Japan’s Sompo to Monitor Environment and Carbon Emissions
Sompo, a major insurance company in Japan, has partnered with startup Momentick in Israel to enhance environmental monitoring and mitigate global warming. This collaboration aims to address the growing need for technologies to monitor greenhouse gas emissions, particularly for Japanese-owned gas platforms and pipelines located outside Japan. Momentick's solution uses satellite imagery and hyperspectral analysis to identify and measure greenhouse gas emissions, with a focus on methane detection. The partnership, initiated through Sompo's Tel Aviv innovation center, involves a demonstration phase comparing Momentick's technology with active sensors and utilising data from the GOSAT satellite. Sompo plans to explore technical verification, service provision, and insurance product development based on the findings. This initiative aligns with Japan's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and comply with tightening international regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. The collaboration exemplifies the growing trend of Japanese companies partnering with Israeli tech firms to address global environmental challenges and may lead to new risk management services offered by Sompo.
Subsidiary of Israel’s Gilat Receives $9 Million Contract from U.S. Defense Department
Israel’s Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd., through its U.S.-based subsidiary DataPath Inc., has secured over $9 million in orders to support the U.S. Department of Defense and other global agencies. These orders, comprising both contract extensions and new agreements, involve the deployment of technical and field services across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States, focusing on critical connectivity requirements for U.S. DoD end users. DataPath's President, Nicole Robinson, emphasised the company's dual role as a provider of ground systems and transportable antenna technology, as well as its commitment to field service operations. This significant contract win underscores DataPath's strong position in the defence communications sector and highlights the growing demand for specialized satellite networking services in military operations. The company's ability to secure these contracts reflects its expertise in delivering reliable and mission-critical communications solutions in diverse and challenging environments, further solidifying its role as a key player in supporting global defense communications infrastructure.
Israel’s Government, UN, in Talks With SpaceX to Deploy Starlink in Gaza
Israel and the United Nations (UN) are reportedly in negotiations with Elon Musk's Starlink regarding the potential deployment of its satellite communication system in the Gaza Strip. The UN views this system as essential for expanding aid distribution across the enclave and enhancing protection for humanitarian workers. However, Israeli officials express concerns that the technology could fall into Hamas's hands, potentially complicating the monitoring of the group's communications and enabling undetected attacks. The matter was reportedly discussed during Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's recent visit to Washington, DC. Starlink's capability to provide internet access in remote or communication-compromised areas through its network of low Earth orbit satellites makes it an attractive solution for humanitarian efforts in Gaza. However, the potential security implications highlight the complex balance between facilitating humanitarian aid and maintaining regional security in conflict zones. This situation underscores the growing intersection of commercial space technology with geopolitical and humanitarian concerns in sensitive areas.
Israel’s Shamoon College of Engineering Develops Miniature Atomic Clock for Satellites
The Shamoon College of Engineering (SCE) in Ashdod, Israel, has inaugurated a new satellite lab dedicated to assembling a nano-satellite, SCE-SAT, designed to test a miniature Israeli atomic clock in space. Led by industry veteran Ori Onn, the programme involves students in the satellite engineering track, preparing them for real-world industry experience. The satellite's primary mission is to evaluate the performance of a tiny, 38-gram atomic clock developed by Jerusalem-based company Accubeat in the space environment. This project represents a significant step in Israel's space education and industry collaboration, with potential implications for satellite constellation coordination and advanced weapon systems.
American Researchers Pinpoint Air Base in Israel as Source of GPS Spoofing Attacks
Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin have identified Ein Shemer Airfield in northern Israel as a significant source of Global Positioning System (GPS) spoofing attacks disrupting civilian airline navigation in the Middle East. These attacks, which manipulate GPS signals to cause airplane instruments to misread their location, have affected an estimated 50,000 flights in the region this year alone. The research team, led by Todd Humphreys and Zach Clements, used data from low-Earth orbit satellites and ground-based collection to pinpoint the source. The Middle East has emerged as a hotspot for such attacks, with Swiss International Air Lines reporting almost daily incidents. While not immediately dangerous due to alternative navigation methods, these attacks raise concerns about aviation safety and highlight the growing global issue of GPS interference, particularly near conflict zones. The Israeli military has declined to comment on these findings. This situation underscores the complex interplay between military operations, civilian aviation safety, and the increasing vulnerability of GPS-dependent systems in modern warfare and international relations.
Other News
UAE’s Yahsat Selects SpaceX to Launch Al Yah-4 and -5 in 2027 and 2028
The UAE’s premier satellite operator Yahsat has contracted SpaceX to launch its Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5 geostationary communications satellites in 2027 and 2028, respectively, using Falcon 9 launch vehicles. This launch agreement is part of a larger $1.1 billion programme, which includes a recently finalised contract with Airbus Defence and Space to build the satellites using the Eurostar Neo bus. The new satellites will provide broadband services for the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, replacing Al Yah 1 and 2. This development is a crucial step in Yahsat's $5.1 billion deal with the UAE government to provide broadband services until at least 2043. The program also includes two low-Earth orbit satellites based on Airbus' Arrow bus, signaling Yahsat's move towards multi-orbit satellite solutions. While several other launch vehicles are expected to be available by 2027, SpaceX's selection may be attributed to its established track record and potential availability amidst competitors' backlogs. This contract underscores the growing competition in the global satellite launch market and Yahsat's strategic positioning in the evolving space communications sector.
Saudi Arabia to Host ITU’s Global Symposium for Regulators in 2025
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has announced that Saudi Arabia, represented by the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST), will host the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR) 2025 in Riyadh. This prestigious event, established over 20 years ago, is a key annual gathering for decision-makers, policymakers, and regulators in the global communications and technology sector. The symposium brings together ministers, heads of national regulatory bodies, and industry leaders from 193 countries to discuss critical challenges and solutions in digital policies and regulations at the international level. Saudi Arabia's selection as host reflects the international community's confidence in the Kingdom's contributions to achieving ITU goals and acknowledges its pioneering role in the sector. This event presents a significant opportunity for Saudi Arabia to showcase its advancements in digital technology and regulation, while also positioning itself as a key player in shaping global telecommunications policies.
Türkiye’s Plan-S to Launch Four Additional IoT Satellites Soon
Plan-S, a space technology firm in Türkiye, has developed a constellation of four satellites set for launch in July 2024, marking a significant step in reducing Türkiye's reliance on foreign satellite technologies. The Connecta IoT Network system constellation satellites are designed to provide Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity and will be launched on a Falcon-9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This launch follows the successful deployment of five test satellites since 2022. Plan-S aims to expand the constellation to over 100 satellites soon, enabling global low-latency communication services through an efficient IoT ecosystem. Tugay Guzel, co-founder and CEO of Plan-S, emphasises that this project will strengthen Türkiye's presence in space and promote indigenous technologies. The constellation is expected to benefit various sectors worldwide, particularly agriculture, logistics, and energy. This development aligns with Türkiye's broader space ambitions, coming shortly after the planned launch of Turksat-6A, the country's first indigenous communications satellite, and represents a significant advancement in Türkiye's space industry capabilities.
Saudi Arabia’s SAMI Signs MoU With Türkiye’s Fergani Space
Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) has solidified its commitment to localising defence capabilities in Saudi Arabia through three strategic agreements with Turkish firms in aviation, space, and other technology sectors. These partnerships, inked with Baykar, Fergani Space, and Aselsan, aim to advance Saudi Vision 2030 objectives by enhancing domestic defence spending localisation to 50% and positioning SAMI among the top 25 global defence companies by 2030. The agreements involve establishing manufacturing capabilities for drones, creating a centre of excellence for space technology development, and exploring opportunities for advanced electronics localisation. These initiatives not only bolster Saudi Arabia’s defence capabilities but also foster economic growth through technology transfer and international cooperation, aligning with efforts to diversify the economy and attract foreign investment under Vision 2030.
Türkiye’s Turksat to Establish Ground Antennas in Afghanistan and Germany
Türkiye is expanding its satellite infrastructure significantly with the construction of new satellite antennas in Germany and Afghanistan, aimed at enhancing its satellite fleet's coverage capabilities. This initiative supports the activities of Türksat's existing satellites like Turksat-5A and -5B, alongside preparations for the launch of Turksat-6A, the country's first indigenous communications satellite. Scheduled to launch soon from Florida, Turksat-6A marks a milestone in Türkiye's space ambitions. The deployment of new antennas and subsystems ensures continuous monitoring across Ku-band, X-band, and other protocols crucial for satellite operations. Türksat, the country's primary satellite operator, currently operates six satellite antennas within Türkiye and plans to expand this network globally. These terminals not only measure satellite signal strength but also assess neighbouring satellite impacts, underscoring Türkiye's strategic investment in advancing its satellite technology capabilities internationally.
Azerbaijan’s Azercosmos Signs MoU With China’s Star.Vision for AI Applications for Earth Observation
Azercosmos, Azerbaijan's state space corporation, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China's Star.Vision company aimed at strategic cooperation in satellite and orbital test development using artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. The MoU, signed during a visit by Star.Vision to Azerbaijan, focuses on jointly developing algorithms and applying AI for Earth observation through satellite technologies. This partnership also entails exchanging expertise in digital initiatives to enhance the capabilities of Earth observation. Azercosmos seeks to bolster its position in the global space industry by participating in significant research and development endeavours and fostering international collaboration. Azercosmos’ efforts align with its vision to cultivate a robust space ecosystem within Azerbaijan.
Other News in Brief
Among the other regional space and satellite developments over the past week are:
Arabsat - headquartered in Saudi Arabia - the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) and Globecast are celebrating 20 years of partnership with a renewed multi-year agreement for Global Arab Bouquet Television (GAB) services, offering a comprehensive range of satellite direct-to-home (DTH) distribution services, complemented by digital and terrestrial streaming platforms globally;
The UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) signs a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Society of Engineers - UAE;
GEMS International School – Al Khail (GIS) unveiled its brand-new Space Lab, which was officially opened today together with UAE astronauts Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammad Al Mulla from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), as well as Dr. Aisha Miran, Director General of Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
Be sure to catch up with space activities in the region in the next edition of Middle East Space Monitor’s space roundup!