Middle East Space Roundup: 26 February to 3 March 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:
Gulf Space Security and Military Space News
Saudi Arabia Calls for Peaceful Uses of Outer Space at the United Nations
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to the peaceful use of outer space while addressing a disarmament conference at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland. Emphasising the importance of collective efforts to confront space-related challenges, Prince Faisal called for policies aligned with international law and treaties to ensure the security and sustainability of outer space. Prince Faisal’s remarks were made soon after U.S. allegations that Russia might be developing a nuclear antisatellite (ASAT) capability - an allegation that Russia denies. Prince Faisal also reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's support for banning weapons of mass destruction and adherence to relevant treaties, including the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological Weapons Convention. Prince Faisal stressed the need for global adherence to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and advocated for making the Middle East region free of such weapons. He also highlighted the Kingdom's support for countries' rights to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, within the framework of nuclear agreements and safety standards. Expressing concern over the stagnation of the Conference on Disarmament, Prince Faisal urged for collective action to revitalise its work and expand its membership, while regretting the rejection of the State of Palestine's request to join as an observer.
Saudi Arabia Reportedly in Military Space Talks with China
Tactical Report claims that Riyadh is focusing on defence relations between Saudi Arabia and China, particularly concerning advanced space systems, according to sources close to the Saudi Ministry of Defence (MoD). Discussions have begun regarding the transfer of military space technology, overseen by senior assistants to the Saudi Minister of Defence Prince Khaled Bin Salman. However, negotiations are expected to be challenging as China has not yet committed to sharing its military space secrets. Systems under consideration include command and control (C2) systems for space and satellite reconnaissance. This engagement poses a challenge for the U.S. as Saudi Arabia seeks to diversify its defence suppliers, with a strong inclination towards China, despite potential U.S. opposition. The success of these discussions hinges on reaching an agreement on technology transfer and localisation. While Saudi officials refrain from disclosing specifics, it is evident that Riyadh is committed to broadening its arms base and technology providers, aligning with its Vision 2030 goals. However, Washington remains cautious about Saudi Arabia's plans, especially regarding sensitive areas like military space, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions.
U.S. Central Command Hosts Theater Space Forum for Middle East Allies
The recent convening of the second annual U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Theater Space Forum by the U.S. Space Force's Central (SPACECENT) marks a strategic effort to enhance space capabilities within CENTCOM operations. With over 140 space experts in attendance from various branches of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and allied countries, the forum aimed to facilitate knowledge exchange, streamline intra and extra-command processes, and strengthen partnerships crucial for effective collaboration in future endeavours. Through dedicated working groups, participants leveraged diverse expertise to devise innovative solutions. A key highlight was SPACECENT's diverse capabilities, including operating the Global Positioning System (GPS) for navigation support and contributing to missile warning systems vital for missions like Operation Prosperity Guardian and Operation Inherent Resolve. This forum underscores the commitment to enhancing space operations' effectiveness and fostering collaboration among stakeholders in ensuring mission success in the Middle East.
UAE to Participate in French Military Space AsterX 2024 Exercise
France and 15 other countries are set to participate in the AsterX 2024 exercise aimed at countering space threats from 4 to 15 March 2024, as announced by the French Space Command. Major General Philippe Adam highlighted the exercise's objective of enhancing the training of the Combined Space Operations Center (CDE) amid evolving space challenges. The exercise will simulate a fictional geopolitical scenario encompassing various space warfare threats, utilising a simulated space environment with 4,000 space objects and 30 ground-based surveillance sensors. With the participation of countries like Australia, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates, among others, as well as representatives from NATO, the exercise is expected to convene 140 participants and 30 foreign observers at the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) in Toulouse, France. This exercise underscores the growing importance of international cooperation in addressing emerging threats in space.
Middle East SATCOM News
Israel’s Gilat Satellite Networks Reports Strong 2023 Financial Results
Israel’s Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd., a prominent player in satellite networking technology, reported its unaudited financial results for Q4 2023 and the full year, ending 31 December 2023. In Q4 2023, the company saw a 4% increase in revenue compared to the same period in 2022, reaching $75.6 million, with GAAP net income turning positive at $3.4 million. For the full year 2023, Gilat experienced an 11% revenue growth, reaching $266.1 million, along with a significant improvement in GAAP net income to $23.5 million. Notably, adjusted EBITDA surged by 44% year-over-year to $36.4 million. Looking ahead, the company expects further growth in 2024, with revenue projected to reach between $305 to $325 million, representing an 18% increase at the midpoint. CEO Adi Sfadia attributed the strong performance to strategic acquisitions, successful contract wins, and growing market interest in satellite communications. Recent announcements, including major defence contracts and the completion of the DataPath acquisition, underscore Gilat's position as a leader in the industry and its commitment to innovation and growth.
Egypt’s NileSat Reports Increased 2023 Profits
Egypt’s NileSat, the Egyptian Satellites Co., reported a notable increase in net profits for the year 2023, reaching $43.754 million, marking a substantial rise of 55.79% compared to the previous year. However, despite the profit surge, the company experienced a slight decline in operating revenues, which amounted to $101.824 million in 2023, down from $99.858 million in the preceding year. NileSat attributed the significant profit growth to a reduction in total expenses during the year. This financial performance indicates a strategic management approach focused on optimizing operational efficiency and cost management, ultimately leading to enhanced profitability despite a marginal decline in revenue. Such insights into NileSat's financial performance provide valuable perspectives for stakeholders within the satellite communications industry, reflecting the company's ability to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities in a competitive market landscape.
Türkiye’s Turkcell Partners with Spain’s Sateliot for Space-Based IoT Coverage
Spanish company Sateliot's partnership with Turkcell, Türkiye's largest carrier known for its technological innovation, signals a significant step towards expanding Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity in previously out-of-coverage areas. By leveraging Sateliot's pioneering LEO satellite constellation based on the 5G standard, Turkcell aims to extend its cellular coverage seamlessly to remote regions, unlocking new opportunities for digitalisation across various industries. This collaboration enables unmodified commercial cellular IoT devices to connect globally, addressing the infrastructure challenges hindering economic growth. Sateliot's cost-effective technology, coupled with Turkcell's extensive network reach, has the potential to transform sectors like oil and gas, agriculture, and transportation, previously inaccessible due to connectivity limitations. As Sateliot's mission emphasises universal IoT connectivity, Turkcell's adoption of this cutting-edge technology underscores its commitment to embracing innovation and expanding its global IoT services through satellite integration.
Intelsat Partners with Saudi Net Link to Provide SATCOM Connectivity to Saudi Arabia’s Oil and Gas Sector
Intelsat, in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Net Link (SNL), has played a pivotal role in addressing connectivity challenges faced by a leading Saudi-based energy and chemicals company, renowned as one of the world's largest oil producers. The remote locations, challenging terrain, and harsh weather conditions characteristic of oil and gas sites necessitate reliable and uninterrupted connectivity for production continuity and employee safety. Leveraging Intelsat's network quality and diverse satellite options, the collaboration ensures stable connectivity solutions without compromising flexibility. This partnership underscores the critical role of satellite communications in facilitating efficient and safe operations in remote areas. Mohamed Al Faisal of Saudi Net Link highlights the partnership's significance in meeting business requirements and improving the well-being of remote workers. Saher Abudaqar, Intelsat’s Managing Sales Director in the Middle East and North Africa, reinforces the commitment to delivering tailored connectivity solutions that address the unique needs of the oil and gas industry, emphasising the importance of satellite connectivity in ensuring operational efficiency and safety.
Egypt’s NileSat and Arabsat Sign Strategic Partnership Agreement for MENA SATCOM
During the third edition of the Saudi Media Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, NileSat - the Egyptian Satellite Company - and the Arab Satellite Communications Corporation (Arabsat) solidified a strategic partnership and cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing satellite television broadcasting and communications in the region. Signed by Nilesat’s Chairman and Managing Director, Major General Sameh Qata, the agreement underscores the company's commitment to fostering collaboration with regional satellite operators to exchange expertise and leverage satellite technology capabilities. This partnership with Arabsat seeks to establish an advanced satellite system covering broad geographical areas in the Middle East and Africa, catering to diverse customer needs. Engineer Al-Humaidi bin Manahi Al-Enezi, CEO of Arabsat, expressed optimism about the collaboration, highlighting its potential to bolster strategic partnerships, support development in satellite broadcasting and communications, and advance mutual interests across various domains.
Türkiye’s Turkcell Partners with Lynk Global for Direct-to-Device SATCOM Services
Turkcell, Türkiye's leading mobile operator, and Lynk Global, provider of satellite direct-to-device (D2D) telecoms services, have inked a contract to initiate D2D services using Lynk's innovative 'cell-towers-in-space' technology. While the timeline for the service rollout remains undisclosed, the collaboration aims to enhance network resiliency and mobile coverage throughout Türkiye, benefiting locals, businesses, and visitors. Lynk's patented satellite-direct-to-standard-mobile-phone system enables commercial subscribers to send and receive text messages via standard mobile devices, offering potential life-saving emergency alerts and SMS warnings in disaster-prone areas. Initially focusing on SMS, the service plans to expand to voice and data, promising an urban-like mobile experience even in remote locations. This partnership highlights Turkcell's commitment to providing comprehensive digital services and Lynk's ongoing efforts to revolutionise satellite communication technology worldwide, as demonstrated by its successful testing of D2D technology in Argentina with Telefónica.
Israel’s Spacecom to Utilise U.S. Communications Satellite after GEO Space Tug Transfer
Astranis, a satellite company, is repurposing its Arcturus satellite originally intended for broadband coverage over Alaska, United States, to serve a Middle East operator due to a solar array issue. Arcturus, after successfully completing communication demonstrations and testing ground stations, is now maneuvering towards a geostationary position over Asia for its new mission. The satellite will temporarily provide spectrum rights to Israel’s satellite communications operator Spacecom, securing valuable orbital slots for future satellite deployment. This mission showcases the flexibility of Astranis satellites, designed for multiple relocations throughout their lifetime. With continued interest from customers, Arcturus is expected to remain fully utilised, emphasising its unique positioning as a small, maneuverable satellite with high-performance communication capabilities in the geostationary arc.
Azerbaijan’s Azercosmos Reports Slight Decrease of Revenue in 2023
In January 2024, Azerbaijan's Azercosmos reported generating $1.4 million in revenue from satellite and telecommunication services to 42 countries, representing 75 percent of its total revenue. The agency's revenue stream saw a decline compared to the previous year, with $19.8 million generated in 2023, a decrease of $6.8 million from 2022. Key export destinations in January included the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, the UAE, Germany, and Pakistan. Despite the decrease in revenue, Azercosmos continues to maintain significant international partnerships, underscoring its role in the global satellite and telecommunication services market.
Iran’s Chabahar Spaceport and Pars-1 Launch
Iran Plans to Commission Chabahar Space Launch Centre in H2 2024
Iran's plans to commission the new Chabahar space launch centre in the second half of 2024 signal a significant milestone in the country's space ambitions, according to reports from TASS citing Iran's Space Agency head, Hassan Salariyeh. The completion of the space launch centre's construction signifies Iran's strategic goal to bolster its presence in space exploration, aiming to join the ranks of the world's top five space powers. With aspirations to offer satellite launch services and advance its human spaceflight programme, Iran's developments in space technology underscore its commitment to expanding its role in international space initiatives. The Chabahar space launch centre is expected to play a crucial role in Iran's future space endeavours, potentially becoming a key launch site for international space missions by 2031. Iran's progression in space exploration since initiating its space programme in 2004 highlights its dedication to scientific advancements and its active participation in global space exploration efforts.
Russia Successfully Launches Iran’s Pars-1 Remote Sensing Satellite
Russia successfully launched Iran’s domestically-built Pars-1 remote sensing satellite marking a significant advancement for the Iranian space programme. Weighing 134 kilograms, the satellite was launched from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia. Equipped with three cameras, Pars 1 will monitor Iran's topography from an orbit 500 kilometers above the Earth. Developed by Iran Space Research Institute in collaboration with knowledge-based companies, the satellite collects data in three spectral ranges and will serve various purposes based on the received images and data. Iran's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Issa Zarepour, highlighted the country's rapid progress in the space industry, noting the launch of 12 satellites in the past 25 months. Additionally, Iran is constructing West Asia's largest launch base in Chabahar (see story above) to enhance its space capabilities further. Despite facing sanctions, Iran continues to make significant strides in its civilian space programme, establishing itself as one of the top ten countries capable of developing and launching satellites.
Other News
UAE’s Mubadala Looks to Invest in Space Technologies Across the World
The UAE's Mubadala Investment Co., with assets totaling $276 billion, announced plans to allocate significant capital into artificial intelligence, space technology, healthcare, digital infrastructure, and financing, focusing on the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia, including Japan, China, South Korea, and India. Managing Director Khaldoon Mubarak emphasised the fund's transition from asset investors to global progress enablers, targeting strategic investments in mega-trends and global demographics. While the specifics of the capital deployment were not disclosed, the increased long-term allocation to Asia signals confidence in the region's growth prospects despite concerns over China's economic slowdown. Mubarak stressed that investments are driven by the attractiveness of opportunities rather than geopolitics, although Washington, DC, remains wary of Gulf-Chinese partnerships. Mubadala's collaboration with Goldman Sachs for a $1 billion private credit partnership in the Asia-Pacific reflects its strategic focus amid geopolitical shifts and efforts by the U.S. and its allies to counter China's influence in the region.
UAE Space Agency Officials Highlight Risk of Space Debris to Space Sustainability
Emirati experts from the UAE’s National Experts Programme (NEP) emphasised the criticality of space debris mitigation for safeguarding future space exploration endeavours. With debris accumulation becoming a significant concern, comprising defunct satellites, rocket stages, and fragmented pieces, the risks to operational satellites and human spaceflight escalate. Notably, the UAE has taken proactive measures, including establishing guidelines and regulations, such as the UAE Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines and the Compensation Regulation, to address space debris concerns. These initiatives align with international best practices and underscore the UAE's commitment to space sustainability. The UAE Space Agency's proactive approach reflects a concerted effort to ensure the safety and longevity of space activities while contributing to global efforts in mitigating space debris risks.
China Hands Over Satellite Assembly, Integration, and Testing Centre to Egypt
Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly presided over the signing of a handover and delivery certificate for the Chinese-supported Satellite Assembly, Integration, and Testing Centre (AITC) project in Egypt, marking a significant milestone in Egyptian-Chinese collaboration. The project, executed by the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA) with a $21 million grant from China, facilitated the assembly of the EgyptSat-2 remote sensing satellite, transferring Chinese expertise in satellite assembly and testing to Egypt. Launched successfully in December 2023, EgyptSat-2 underscores the advancement of Egyptian-Chinese cooperation in knowledge exchange and satellite technology. Rania Al Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, highlighted the project's importance in fostering tripartite cooperation among Egypt, China, and African countries in satellite assembly and testing. With China's substantial financial support for various development projects, Egypt remains a crucial partner in China's Belt and Road Initiative, strengthening bilateral ties and fostering economic development in key sectors such as electricity, health, education, and vocational training.
Other News in Brief
Among the other regional space and satellite developments over the past week are:
Free trade talks between Oman and India also reportedly included space cooperation and satellite manufacturing;
Tunisia’s National Outer Space Commission is finalising its work on a national strategy for space activities. The commission is also updating the regulatory and legal framework for space activities in the country;
Recommended Reading
Oxford University Press Chapter Contrasts Israeli and UAE Approaches to Space Policy
Professor Deganit Paikowsky of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has a chapter titled “Perspectives on Membership in the Space Club in West Asia: Israel and the UAE,” in The Oxford Handbook of Space Security edited by Saadia M. Pekkanen and P.J. Blount (Oxford University Press, 2024). Professor Paikowsky writes that the contemporary geopolitical landscape increasingly recognizes space as a vital domain, both technologically and strategically, with a surge in the number of countries involved in space activities. Her chapter delves into the evolving strategies and security considerations surrounding space in West Asia, a region often overlooked in space discussions. Through the framework of the "space club," traditionally associated with power and prestige, Professor Paikowsky’s chapter explores how global politics and technological advancements have reshaped the landscape of space engagement, leading to its expansion. Focusing on Israel, a longstanding player, and the UAE, a newcomer, the chapter provides insights into their perspectives on space club membership and compares their approaches amid the changing dynamics of global space activity.
New Article Examines Middle East Space Competition Dynamics
Professor Larry Rubin of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) has an article published in the journal Space Policy arguing that the Middle East has experienced significant growth in commercial, civil, and military space activities, raising questions about the motivations behind these programmes and their relationship with regional politics. Professor Rubin’s article explores the development of space programmes in Israel, Egypt, and the UAE, highlighting the influence of regional political dynamics. Israel's focus on national security has driven its space programme towards intelligence and reconnaissance, leading to expertise in small-satellite technology due to geopolitical constraints. Egypt's programme, aimed at economic development and asserting leadership in Africa, reflects regional aspirations for status and influence. Similarly, the UAE's space ambitions are driven by economic diversification and a desire for prestige, hoping to lead in space technology to inspire a knowledge-based economy. These cases demonstrate how regional political considerations, including security, prestige, and economic development, play a significant role in shaping the trajectories of Middle Eastern space programmes.
Did Tardigrades Survive Israel’s Beresheet Lunar Lander Crash on the Moon?
Writing in The Conversation, Laurent Palka of the Muséum national d’histoire naturelle (MNHN) in France, posits that the past five years have seen significant developments in space exploration, notably with the 2019 launch of SpaceIL’s Beresheet probe, which aimed to perform the first private and Israeli soft landing on the Moon. Despite encountering challenges, such as failures in star tracker cameras and gyroscopes, the probe's crash landing sparked curiosity about its payload, including tardigrades known for their resilience. Tardigrades possess unique abilities to survive extreme conditions, raising questions about their potential to colonise the Moon. However, the harsh lunar environment, characterised by temperature extremes and lack of essential resources, makes this scenario unlikely. While the presence of tardigrades on the Moon poses ethical questions, the probe's crash landing highlights the need for responsible space exploration to avoid contaminating celestial bodies and compromising scientific discoveries.
Be sure to catch up with space activities in the region in the next edition of Middle East Space Monitor’s space roundup!