Middle East Space Roundup: 19 to 25 February 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:
UAE’s Yahsat Launches SATCOM D2D Strategy, Releases D2D Device
UAE’s Yahsat Enters SATCOM Direct-2-Device Market
Yahsat, the UAE’s leading satellite communications company, has unveiled its Project Sky initiative to enhance satellite connectivity to previously underserved communities through multi-orbit satellite constellations. As a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi state-backed Mubadala Investment Company, Yahsat intends to leverage its Direct-2-Device (D2D) strategy to expand into emerging sectors with significant growth potential. Project Sky aims to provide smartphone users and Internet of Things (IoT) devices worldwide with access to space technology, irrespective of location, with voice and messaging capabilities set to be offered in the initial phase, followed by texting and IoT capabilities on smartphones by 2025. Utilising Yahsat's geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites, including T2, T3, and T4, slated for launch later this year, the initiative represents a strategic move to enhance global connectivity. This announcement follows Yahsat's proposal for a merger with Bayanat to create Space42, signaling the company's broader ambition to establish an AI-powered space technology leader in the region with a global footprint. Despite operating independently until regulatory approval is secured, the merger is anticipated to be finalised by mid-2024.
UAE’s Thuraya Announces SKYPHONE D2D Satellite Phone
Thuraya, a subsidiary of UAE’s Yahsat, has unveiled its latest innovation, the SKYPHONE by Thuraya, at the Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. This groundbreaking smartphone offers users satellite connectivity for calls and SMS within Thuraya's footprint across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, ensuring seamless connectivity regardless of location. Expected to launch in September 2024, the SKYPHONE features advanced technology such as the Android 14 operating system, Qualcomm Octa-core Kryo processor, and an IP67 rating for dust and waterproofing. With a retractable satellite antenna, dual nano-SIM card slots, and compatibility with terrestrial networks, it provides extensive coverage even in remote areas. Ali Al Hashemi, Group CEO of Yahsat, highlighted SKYPHONE's potential in various sectors, positioning it as a game-changer in the smartphone market and a key component of Yahsat's growth strategy in its Direct-2-Device (D2D) Project Sky initiative (see story above). This innovation aligns with Thuraya's commitment to providing reliable and universal connectivity, bridging gaps in communication infrastructure worldwide.
Other News
SpaceKnow Becomes First AI-Powered Satellite Imagery Analytical Company in Saudi Arabia
SpaceKnow, a New York-based technology firm specialising in translating space data into actionable insights, has introduced SpaceGuardian in Saudi Arabia, marking the Kingdom's first approved company dedicated to satellite imagery and AI analysis. Through a joint venture agreement between Majid Alghaslan and Jerry Javornicky, announced at the International Petroleum Technology Conference 2024, SpaceGuardian aims to revolutionise various sectors by leveraging satellite imagery and AI analysis. With a focus on economic activities, energy analysis, environmental assessments, construction progress tracking, and more, SpaceGuardian's innovative approach promises to propel Saudi Arabia into a new era of digital transformation. This strategic collaboration not only accelerates economic growth and diversification efforts but also contributes to the development of Saudi Arabia's burgeoning space sector. With its suite of services tailored to all industries, SpaceGuardian is positioned to drive innovation and efficiency across the Kingdom.
UAE’s Mira Aerospace Showcases High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites in Singapore
UAE-based Mira Aerospace, a prominent player in High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS), unveiled its innovative technology at the Singapore Airshow, a pivotal aerospace and defence exhibition in Asia. This marks the inaugural presence of Mira Aerospace in the region, highlighting its strategic focus on Southeast Asia for market expansion. A joint venture between Bayanat and UAVOS, Mira Aerospace specialises in HAPS, offering a transformative solution that bridges the gap between conventional UAVs and traditional satellites. With capabilities to operate at altitudes up to 20 kilometers, Mira Aerospace's HAPS facilitates advanced Earth observation and telecommunications tasks, providing uninterrupted monitoring and addressing gaps in existing networks. The company's commitment to sustainability is evident through its long-duration, zero-carbon flights powered by solar energy, offering a cost-effective approach for continuous Earth surface monitoring. Notably, Mira Aerospace's ApusDuo HAPS achieved a significant milestone by enabling the world's first 5G connectivity from the stratosphere during a test flight in Rwanda last year. Tigran Babayan, Chief Strategy Officer of Mira Aerospace, expressed enthusiasm about their debut at the Singapore Airshow, underscoring Southeast Asia's importance as a key market for their expansion plans. The event, held from 20 to 25 February 2024 at the Changi Exhibition Centre, serves as a platform for Mira Aerospace to showcase its cutting-edge technology to industry leaders in the region.
NWTN Partners with UAE’s MBRSC for Sustainable Mobility Solutions
NWTN Inc., a company dedicated to eco-conscious mobility technology, has forged a significant partnership with the UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), signaling a pivotal move in advancing the UAE's Space Programme. As the Official Mobility Partner, NWTN will supply MBRSC with its innovative Rabdan One range-extended electric vehicles, showcasing its dedication to sustainable mobility solutions and bolstering the country's scientific and technological endeavours. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to driving innovation and excellence, with the Rabdan One vehicles, renowned for their advanced technology and environmental friendliness, set to be utilised in all official activities of MBRSC, emphasising a joint commitment to sustainability. For NWTN, partnering with MBRSC signifies a milestone, emphasising its automotive expertise and its mission to champion sustainability and innovation in the UAE. This partnership is poised to catalyse new opportunities for both entities, fostering technological progress and sustainability efforts not only within the UAE but also on a global scale.
UAE’s Mission to the Asteroid Belt Completes Major Programme Review
The UAE's ambitious mission to explore the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter has received a significant boost following a comprehensive review assessing its design, safety, risks, budget, and schedule. Named the MBR Explorer after Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the spacecraft is scheduled for launch in 2028, embarking on a journey spanning 5 billion kilometers over seven years to investigate seven asteroids, with an attempt to land on the last one. Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, emphasised that the review signifies a strategic vision aimed at advancing scientific goals and solidifying the country's pioneering status in the space sector. The mission, which includes exploring asteroids like Justitia with its mysterious reddish hue, holds promise not only for understanding the solar system's origins but also for potential future resource extraction, given the vast mineral wealth estimated in the asteroid belt. With collaboration from domestic and international entities, including universities and space organisations, the UAE is positioning itself as a key player in space exploration and technology development.
Israel’s Spacecom Part of Hungarian Conglomerate Space Industry Consolidation
Hungary’s ICT conglomerate 4iG is restructuring its aerospace and space technology assets, including Israel’s satellite communications operator Spacecom, into a standalone subsidiary named 4iG Space and Technology. With plans to acquire a 45% stake in local space technology firm REMRED Space Technology, the move aims to enhance the group's global growth prospects. The new unit will oversee satellite manufacturing, autonomous aircraft development, drone defence, and digitalisation services for the defence industry. Led by István Sárhegyi, co-founder of REMRED Space Technologies, the subsidiary will focus on strategic projects, operational processes, and organisational structure. Yon Rosenberg, former director of Spacecom, will serve as deputy CEO. The initiative reflects 4iG's commitment to leveraging opportunities in space and technology, aligning with its strategic objectives and reinforcing technological capabilities to foster international partnerships in Central and Eastern Europe, as highlighted by Gellért Jászai, chairman of 4iG Group.
Israel’s InfiniDome Innovates GPS Anti-Jamming Technology to Protect Israeli Drones
Amid escalating conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah, Omer Sharar and his team at InfiniDome, based in Caesarea, Israel, have been working tirelessly to counteract GPS jamming targeting Israeli army mini-drones, a crucial component of Israel's defence strategy against militants in Gaza and in southern Lebanon. The onslaught of smaller, cheaper drones in recent conflicts has challenged Israel's traditional drone warfare tactics, prompting the urgent need for innovative anti-jamming technology. InfiniDome's GPSdome2 technology has emerged as a vital defence, ensuring the reliability of GPS-reliant drones even in the face of sophisticated jamming efforts. The war in Gaza has not only underscored the importance of safeguarding drone operations but also revealed broader implications for regional security dynamics, with tensions escalating along Israel's border with Lebanon. As Israel braces for potential threats from Iran-backed militants, InfiniDome remains vigilant, adapting its technology to address evolving security challenges in the region.
Türkiye’s First Indigenously-Built Communications Satellite to be Launched in ‘Months’
Türkiye is set to launch its first indigenously-built communication satellite, Turksat-6A, in the coming months, marking a significant milestone in the country's space technology endeavours. Mehmet Fatih Kacir, Türkiye's Industry and Technology Minister, announced this development during an event at Gaziantep University, where he emphasised the importance of advancing from imaging satellites to communication satellites. Turksat-6A, the culmination of a project initiated under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, represents Türkiye's largest research and development undertaking and is poised to position the country among the select group of countries with satellite launch capabilities. With a power of 7.5 kilowatts, Turksat-6A will be positioned in a geostationary orbit, extending coverage to Southeast Asia, an area currently underserved by existing satellites. This expansion will significantly increase Türkiye's satellite service exports to regions such as India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, potentially reaching over 5 billion people, representing 65% of the world's population.
Oman Hosts Regional Workshop on Weather Satellite Data and Aviation Safety
The 19th regional workshop on satellite applications held in Muscat, Oman, served as a crucial platform for aviation specialists to delve into the intricacies of interpreting satellite data for weather analysis, particularly vital for ensuring aviation safety in the ever-changing Middle Eastern skies. The workshop focused on equipping participants with the expertise needed to interpret satellite imagery, empowering them to predict weather patterns accurately and mitigate potential risks to flight operations and passenger well-being. Noteworthy was the emphasis on collaborative learning, fostering a community-driven approach that promises to elevate aviation safety standards in the region. As the event concluded, discussions turned towards the future, highlighting the transformative impact of advancing satellite technology on weather analysis in aviation. The commitment demonstrated by attendees and organisers underscores the significance of such gatherings in driving innovation and progress in aviation safety. Ultimately, initiatives like these represent incremental yet significant strides towards a future where the skies are not just navigable but also safer for all.
Saudi Space Agency Opens Space Madak Competition for Arab Youth
The Madak competition, recently launched by the Saudi Space Agency (SSA), underscores a strategic initiative aimed at fostering research, innovation, and space exploration within the Arab world. Catering to students aged 6 to 18, the competition offers a unique opportunity for participants to showcase their talents and engage in scientific inquiry, with the ultimate prize being winning art and experiments sent to the International Space Station. Supervised by Saudi astronaut Rayyana Barnawi, the competition spans three tracks, emphasising diverse aspects of space science and experimentation. By encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific creativity, the initiative seeks to cultivate a new generation of space enthusiasts while bolstering the region's scientific capabilities. SSA CEO Dr. Mohammed Al-Tamimi emphasises Saudi Arabia's commitment to nurturing excellence in space science, highlighting the Kingdom's role as a leader in the field. As registration for the competition remains open, the SSA reinforces its dedication to advancing space exploration and fostering local talent to contribute to the global space industry's growth and development.
Recommended Reading
Meet the Israeli Scientist Who Drafted the UN’s Ethical Code for Outer Space
Writing in the newspaper Ha’aretz, Maya Guez profiles Zvi Sever, a renowned scientist and former professor from Israel, who made waves by presenting "The Ethical Code for Outer Space" at the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, underscoring his eclectic interests beyond his expertise in porcupine biology. Sever's code, aimed at guiding humanity's expansion into space, reflects his longstanding concern for animal welfare and environmental sustainability. Drawing on his diverse experiences, Sever highlights the need for ethical guidelines amid plans for Mars settlement, exemplified by Elon Musk's endeavours. His proposal, born out of his concern for porcupines, underscores broader ethical imperatives for space exploration. Despite challenges in Israel, Sever's commitment extends to Africa, where he seeks to identify and nurture gifted individuals, advocating for educational opportunities to stem refugee flows and promote entrepreneurship. Through his varied endeavours, Sever exemplifies a multidisciplinary approach to global challenges, bridging scientific expertise with ethical considerations and societal impact.
An Arab Perspective on Reports of a Russian Nuclear Antisatellite Weapon
Writing in Arab News, Dr. Amal Mudallali - Lebanon’s former ambassador to the United Nations - comments on U.S. Congressman Mike Turner's revelation of a "serious national security threat" without specific details ignited Washington, DC, sparking speculation and fears of a "Russian anti-satellite nuclear weapon." Amid the chaos, the White House sought to downplay the situation, emphasising that while Russia possesses troubling capabilities, there's no immediate threat. However, the incident underscored growing concerns about space security, with the U.S. focusing on safeguarding its satellites and updating its capabilities. The episode also highlighted the broader issue of anti-satellite weapons development and the proliferation of space debris, prompting recent initiatives such as the UN resolution for a moratorium on anti-satellite missile tests. Despite tensions between the U.S. and Russia, experts doubt Moscow's intent to detonate a nuclear weapon in space, emphasising the need for multilateral efforts to address space security comprehensively. However, fragmented approaches and geopolitical tensions present challenges, highlighting the urgency for cohesive action and legally binding agreements to ensure the peaceful use of outer space and prevent conflicts from escalating beyond Earth.
Yet Another Modest Proposal for a GCC Space Agency…
Over at the SpaceTech in Gulf Region blog, Alex Cresniov writes about the Gulf region's burgeoning interest in technology and innovation, the establishment of a robust regional body dedicated to coordinating space developments emerges as a strategic imperative. Drawing inspiration from successful models like the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA's Artemis programme, which highlight the power of collaboration in space exploration, a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) equivalent could propel the region to new heights in space endeavours. By pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise, GCC countries can undertake ambitious space projects that would be otherwise unattainable, leading to cost savings, fostering innovation, and stimulating economic growth. Such a regional body could facilitate efficient production and distribution of space technology, knowledge transfer, joint projects, and scientific advancements, while also enhancing international collaboration and the GCC countries' standing in the global space community. Structured as an intergovernmental organisation with a rotating headquarters and specialised committees, the establishment of this body requires concerted effort and commitment from all member states. However, it represents a transformative opportunity for the Gulf region to become a leader in space exploration and innovation, inspiring future generations and reaping mutual benefits for the region as a whole.
Be sure to catch up with space activities in the region in the next edition of Middle East Space Monitor’s space roundup!