Middle East Space Roundup: 3 to 9 June 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:
Saudi Arabia Space Developments
More Details Emerge on the Objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Neo Space Group
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) launch of its Neo Space Group (NSG) on 27 May 2024 is its first investment in the Kingdom's nascent satellite and space industry. NSG aims to acquire various space startups specialising in launch platforms, rocket boosters, propulsion, satellite subsystems (including sensors, communications systems, and navigation systems), and military-grade Earth observation and communications systems. The group will also focus on acquiring companies with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) software for diverse space applications. NSG's primary business will be the manufacture and launch of Earth observation satellites, many of which will be used for defence purposes. While the level of cooperation between NSG, the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), and the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) remains undefined, synergies for space cooperation between these three entities are expected. This investment aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which emphasises expanding the Kingdom's arms manufacturing capabilities and technological resources, specifically focusing on enhancing the portfolio of defence companies. The launch of NSG marks a significant step in Saudi Arabia's efforts to develop its domestic space industry and bolster its defence capabilities through satellite technology and AI-driven space applications.
Neo Space Group’s Geoeconomic Mission for Saudi Arabia’s Space Ambitions
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, has directed his government to prioritise the development of the national space industry, aligning with the country's Vision 2030 initiative aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing reliance on oil revenue. The establishment of the Neo Space Group (NSG) by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) reflects this commitment, with NSG envisioned to become the national leader in the Saudi space sector. NSG's mandate includes promoting both state investment and private initiatives to foster the growth of space industry and service-related SMEs within Saudi Arabia. This strategic move seeks to attract satellite manufacturers and startups from around the world, positioning Saudi Arabia as a significant player in the global satellite market. NSG's multi-million dollar investments span satellite communications, navigation, IoT, and Earth observation, supported by a venture capital fund to bolster space asset entrepreneurship. Government agencies such as the Saudi Space Agency (SSA) and the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST) will oversee NSG's activities and investments, emphasising the country's commitment to space exploration and telecommunications regulation. While Saudi Arabia aims to achieve substantial economic growth and job creation through initiatives like Vision 2030, the Kingdom also prioritises national security and defence, given its strategic location and geopolitical context in the Arabian Peninsula.
Saudi Arabia’s CST, KAUST, and The Garage Launch the Space Tech Entrepreneurship Incubation Program
Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and Garage, has announced the launch of the Space Tech Entrepreneurship Incubation Program, signaling an initiative to foster new investments and enhance national capabilities in the space sector. This six-month programme, a component of the broader Space Entrepreneurship project, encompasses four main phases aimed at addressing technical challenges, nurturing innovation, and facilitating market entry for startups. The programme begins with a hackathon followed by a training bootcamp, an incubation phase offering financial support, and the establishment of space entrepreneurship communities. CST encourages interested individuals and experts to register by providing innovative solutions to space sector challenges, establishing a startup in the Kingdom, or utilising existing companies, emphasising the importance of offering prototype solutions. This initiative underscores CST's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, supporting innovation, and leveraging international expertise to bolster the Kingdom's space industry infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia’s CST Presses Agenda at ITU Council 2024
A delegation from Saudi Arabia, led by Dr. Mohammed Saud Al Tamimi, Governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), recently participated in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland, until 14 June 2024, with the objective of fostering international cooperation in ICT development and supporting the ITU's endeavours, particularly in assisting developing countries. Dr. Al Tamimi, alongside Ambassador Abdulmohsen Majid Bin Khotheil, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations in Geneva, delivered Saudi Arabia's address, emphasising the Kingdom's contributions to policy formulation and regulatory frameworks aimed at bolstering global collaboration in the telecom sector. Additionally, he underscored Saudi Arabia's commitment to advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs) through expanded ICT accessibility and digitalisation initiatives, particularly in underserved regions. The ITU Council, comprising 48 elected member states, including Saudi Arabia, serves as the Union's governing body between Plenipotentiary Conferences, overseeing activities, policies, and strategies to meet the evolving demands of the telecom sector while ensuring effective coordination of work programmes and financial management.
Türkiye’s Space News
Türkiye’s Tubitak Uzay Leads National Space Research and Development
Türkiye's national research agency, Tubitak, is leading the way in space technology development through the efforts of the Tubitak Space Technologies Research Institute (Tubitak Uzay). Mehmet Nefes, the director of Tubitak Uzay, emphasised the institute's role as a development center for Türkiye's space ecosystem, working towards advancing space efforts in line with the National Space Programme. Tubitak Uzay's achievements include the successful launch of Türkiye's first space traveler (astronaut), Alper Gezeravci, to the International Space Station (ISS) and the coordination of the upcoming suborbital research flight of the country's second space traveler, Tuva Cihangir Atasever. The institute has also made significant strides in satellite technology, with projects such as Bilsat, Rasat, Gokturk-2, and Imece, each contributing to Türkiye's technological capacity. Tubitak Uzay is the main contractor for Turksat-6A, the country's largest R&D project, which is set to be launched in July 2024. Nefes highlighted the importance of meeting Türkiye's commercial and military needs in the space field with national projects, which will contribute to the country's current account deficit. Tubitak Uzay's main goal is to protect and develop the related know-how and human resources while supporting local firms and acting as an incubation center for Türkiye's space ecosystem. The institute also has ambitious plans for a lunar mission, aiming to make first contact on the Moon by 2026 with a capable spacecraft produced by their own teams. Nefes emphasised the importance of sustainability in space efforts, with planned projects in line with a roadmap and the support of the Ministry of Industry and Technology and the Tubitak Presidency being crucial for the success of these endeavours.
Türkiye’s Second Astronaut, Tuva Cihangir Atasever, Completes Virgin Galactic Flight
Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity successfully completed a suborbital flight, carrying a six-person Galactic 07 mission team, including Tuva Cihangir Atasever, the second Turkish space traveler. The flight, lasting approximately 70 minutes, reached an altitude of around 55 miles after initially being carried by the VMS Eve aircraft to an altitude of 45,000 feet. Atasever conducted seven scientific experiments during the flight, including brain imaging, radiation exposure measurement, and insulin pen efficiency testing. Several experiments were repeated from Türkiye's first astronaut's earlier trip to the International Space Station, including those measuring the effects of microgravity on human physiology and examining biomolecular changes induced by spaceflight. Atasever also carried a Palestinian scarf symbolising solidarity with Palestinians during the mission. Overall, the successful flight marks another milestone in Virgin Galactic's space tourism endeavours and Türkiye's burgeoning presence in space exploration.
Turkish Astronaut Science Mission Project Research Groups Convene at METU
The Turkish Astronaut Science Mission Project Research Groups convened at the Middle East Technical University (METU) to discuss the country's ongoing efforts in space science and technology. The meeting was attended by the Axiom-3 mission team, including Türkiye's first astronaut Alper Gezeravcı, along with Michael Lopez-Alegria, Walter Villadei, and Marcus Wandt, who engaged with young people interested in space and technology. During a press statement, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to becoming a leading country in space science and technologies, emphasising the government's determination to realise the goals outlined in Türkiye's National Space Program. Kacır highlighted the upcoming launch of Türksat-6A, which will make Türkiye one of only 11 countries capable of developing communication satellites nationally. He also discussed plans for a Moon mission, involving a spacecraft powered by a domestically developed hybrid rocket engine, which is expected to create new opportunities for Türkiye in the space economy. Additionally, Kacır announced that Tuva Cihangir Atasever, Türkiye's second astronaut, is preparing for a suborbital research flight scheduled for 8 June 2024, in the United States, where he will conduct experiments prepared by Turkish scientists, further demonstrating the country's commitment to advancing its space research capabilities. During the event, Türkiye's first astronaut, Alper Gezeravcı, presented the Turkish flag that flew at the International Space Station during the Axiom-3 mission to Minister Kacır, symbolising the country's growing presence in space.
Türkiye’s First Astronaut Lays Out Turkish Space Ambitions
Alper Gezeravci, Türkiye's first astronaut, emphasises the ongoing commitment of Türkiye's National Space Program to achieving prominence in space science and exploration. Launched in 2021 following the establishment of the Turkish Space Agency in 2018, the programme comprises 10 objectives, including Gezeravci's recent mission to the International Space Station. Plans are in motion for the remaining nine goals, which include a lunar mission for scientific research. Türkiye aims to domestically produce spacecraft with hybrid engines to reduce dependence on other countries. Gezeravci's experiments aboard the ISS, along with upcoming tests by Türkiye's second astronaut, Tuva Cihangir Atasever, are interconnected, with findings soon to be presented at an international conference. Gezeravci highlights Japan and China's space station projects as additional contributors to ongoing space research efforts.
Türkiye’s Türksat-6A at Cape Canaveral, Due to Launch Week of 8-15 July 2024
Türkiye is on the verge of a significant milestone as its first domestically developed communications satellite, Turksat-6A, is scheduled for launch into space sometime during the week of 8 to 15 July 2024. After being transported from Murted Airspace Command in Ankara to the space centre in Cape Canaveral, Florida, the satellite is undergoing final preparations at the SpaceX hangar for its upcoming launch window between 8-15 July, contingent on weather conditions. Manufactured by Turkish engineers at Turkish Aerospace Industries with support from various governmental and industry partners, Turksat-6A represents Türkiye's largest research and development project to date. Once operational, it will expand Türkiye's satellite coverage beyond its current range, reaching regions like India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, significantly increasing its global reach to over five billion people and covering approximately 65 percent of the world's population. This launch signifies Türkiye's growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to enhancing its telecommunications infrastructure on both a national and international scale.
Iran Space Developments
First Launch From Iran’s Chabahar Space Centre Expected by March 2025
Iran is making significant strides in space exploration with the construction of the largest space launch centre in the region in Chabahar, according to Minister of Communications and Information Technology Issa Zarepour. The Chabahar Space Centre, currently under construction and set to be operational by early February 2025, marks a significant milestone in Iran's pursuit of space technology. With 56% of the first phase already completed, plans include the inaugural launch from the centre within the current Persian Islamic year, ending on 20 March 2025. This facility aims to support Iranian satellite launches while fostering international collaboration and revenue generation. Iran's commitment to space exploration is evidenced by the Imam Khomeini National Space Centre, established in 2017, which has been integral in facilitating space missions, particularly in low-Earth orbit (LEO). Positioned as a non-military launch site, the Chabahar Space Centre will focus on payload launches and deploying satellites into geosynchronous orbit (GEO), offering new opportunities for space exploration and collaboration.
Iran to Launch at Least Two More Satellites in 2024
Iran's space agency director, Hossein Salarieh, has announced plans to launch new satellites into orbit this year, including the domestically developed Tolou-3 and Nahid-2 satellites. Highlighting the significance of the orbital transfer bloc project, Salarieh noted the unveiling of the flight prototype last year and emphasised its upcoming launch this year. He further revealed the active involvement of 20 knowledge-based companies in satellite and launcher development, indicating a vibrant industry landscape. Additionally, Salarieh mentioned the upcoming inaugural research launch of the Shahid Soleimani System, a space-based Internet of Things (IoT) satellite constellation, underscoring Iran's advancements and ambitions in space technology and research.
Iran Unveils Two New Satellites: Kowsar and Hodhod
Iran has unveiled flight models of its indigenous Kowsar and Hodhod satellites, showcased at a ceremony attended by prominent figures from the private sector. The Kowsar Earth observation satellite, set to orbit 500 kilometers above Earth's surface this autumn via a Russian Soyuz rocket, boasts applications in agriculture, mapping, and demarcation, equipped with two cameras capable of capturing images with a resolution of 3.45 meters. This unveiling follows Iran's successful launch of the Pars-1 research remote sensing satellite earlier this year, demonstrating the country's growing prowess in space exploration despite facing sanctions from Western countries. With ongoing advancements, Iran solidifies its position among the world's top 10 countries capable of satellite development and launches, marking significant progress in its civilian space programme.
U.S. Senators Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Counter Iran’s Space Threats
U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (Democrat - Nevada) and Joni Ernst (Republican - Iowa) have introduced the bipartisan Space Technology and Regional Security (STARS) Act, aimed at addressing space threats posed by Iran and its proxies. Building on the Abraham Accords, the legislation mandates the U.S. Department of Defense to devise a strategy and data-sharing agreement to safeguard allies and partners in the Middle East from Iranian space activities. By enhancing space situational awareness, the STARS Act seeks to bolster defence against adversarial threats and deepen space cooperation with regional allies like Israel. Senators Rosen and Ernst, co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate Abraham Accords Caucus, emphasise the urgency of collective security measures to counter Iran's aggression, citing previous successful bipartisan efforts such as the MARITIME Act and the DEFEND Act. Their proactive approach underscores the significance of international partnerships and technological advancements in deterring hostile actions in the space domain.
Other News
Bahrain’s NSSA to Host 6th Ministerial International Space Forum in July 2024
The National Space Science Agency (NSSA) of Bahrain has announced its collaboration with the Italian Space Agency (ISA) and the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) to host the 6th International Space Forum at the Ministerial Level – The Gulf Chapter (ISF 2024). The forum, scheduled for 2-3 July 2024, will be held under the theme "Space as a game-changer for diplomacy and economic development in the region." Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Asiri, CEO of the NSSA, emphasised the importance of hosting the forum in positioning the Kingdom as a regional and international hub for space-related events and conferences, aligning with Bahrain's strategic plan, national space policy, and the vision of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The forum will bring together ministers, authorities, and heads of space agencies from the Gulf region, as well as observers from space agencies worldwide and relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations. Discussions will focus on how space science and technology can contribute to the region's development, with three main topics: Earth Observation, Space Exploration, and Space Visions and Policies. At the end of the forum, delegations will endorse The Manama Page, a final declaration detailing the participating countries' needs, perspectives, and recommendations, which will be added to the series of statements from previous International Space Fora.
The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences Purchases HEX20’s FlatSat
Australia’s HEX20 has signed a contract with the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) to provide its innovative FlatSat solution. The cutting-edge technology will be used to train four exceptional students selected for the prestigious INSPIRE-COSPAR summer programme at the University of Colorado at Boulder, in the United States. The FlatSat platform offers an immersive, hands-on learning experience that prepares students for future careers in the space industry, aligning with HEX20's commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in the sector. KFAS emphasises the importance of this collaboration in advancing scientific knowledge and research capabilities in Kuwait, as part of a broader ambition to enhance national capacity in space research. The partnership also highlights the emergence of South Australia as a hub of innovation in space technology, with HEX20's expansion into the Middle East and North Africa region underscoring the vast opportunities available for South Australian companies in this dynamic field. The selected students will undergo comprehensive training using the FlatSat platform, gaining valuable expertise in satellite design, testing, and operations, which is expected to significantly bolster their academic and professional pursuits in the aerospace industry.
UAE’s NYU Abu Dhabi Researcher Leads Study on Space Sustainability
Researchers from NYU Abu Dhabi in the UAE, the University of California, Berkeley, and New York University have called for the strengthening and expansion of existing planetary protection policies beyond Earth's orbit to include requirements for preserving the lunar and Martian environments. In their study, published in the journal Space Policy, the researchers argue that current guidelines should address more than just biological contamination, orbital debris, crowding, and security issues. They emphasise the necessity of incorporating sustainability as a core principle of human space exploration, citing unaddressed questions such as atmospheric and abiotic contamination. The researchers highlight the potential terrestrial benefits that could be derived from sustainable exploration practices in space, such as the development of new technologies designed for sustainable uses beyond Earth. Lead researcher Dimitra Atri stresses the urgency of addressing space sustainability, comparing it to the challenge of climate change faced by terrestrial human society. The study underscores the importance of implementing robust, specific, and enforceable rules and procedures to govern the next generation of space exploration, ensuring clean and safe practices that will be productive and sustainable for years to come.
Israel’s Technion Proposes Massive Foil Sunshade in Space to Combat Climate Change
In a groundbreaking initiative to combat global warming, Professor Yoram Rozen and a team of academics and industry experts from the Asher Space Research Institute (ASRI) at Israel’s Technion have developed an audacious plan to launch a massive foil sunshade into space. The sunshade, covering an area of 2.5 million square kilometers, would be positioned at a unique point between the Earth and the Sun, deflecting a portion of the Sun's rays and potentially lowering the Earth's average temperature by 1.5 degrees Celsius within a remarkably short period of 18 months. While the project's estimated cost of $30 trillion is astronomical, Rozen and his team have decided to start with a smaller prototype the size of a classroom to demonstrate the concept's feasibility. The sunshade would be constructed from a material already used in space missions, similar to survival blankets, and would be produced in modular components that can operate adjacently in space. Although the shade would not be noticeable from Earth, it would effectively block 2% of the radiation reaching the planet, primarily affecting the critical area within 1,600 km of the equator. Rozen emphasises the urgency of addressing the ongoing climate disaster, warning of the potential for irreversible negative changes for humanity if the Earth's temperature continues to rise unchecked. Despite the project's challenges, including the loss of a major partner from the United Arab Emirates due to political tensions, Rozen remains optimistic about the potential for international collaboration to bring this innovative solution to fruition.
UAE’s NTT Data Offers New SATCOM Services for Regional Commercial Clients
NTT DATA Middle East and Africa, headquartered in Dubai, UAE, has initiated deployments of its low-Earth orbit (LEO) based connectivity services for nine key clients spanning retail, banking, mining, and logistics sectors. The services are designed to enhance network performance and deliver a consistent and superior client experience. By investing in LEO satellite services, NTT DATA aims to address the challenges posed by fibre cable breaks and power disruptions, ensuring reliable and uninterrupted connectivity for businesses across the region. The company's integrated GEO-LEO solution, combined with existing fibre and wireless alternatives, promises improved performance for various use-cases, including access to latency-sensitive applications and real-time services like video conferencing. NTT DATA's approach involves deploying the solution vertically, tailored to specific industries, distinguishing it from recent partnerships announced by other sector players. Greg Hatfield, Vice President of Infrastructure Solutions at NTT DATA, emphasises the importance of providing industry-specific full-stack architecture to enable business transformation rather than merely connecting locations.
Talks on Qatar’s Military Communications Satellite Ongoing
Tactical Report claims that negotiations between the Qatari Ministry of Defence (MoD) and both French and U.S. companies regarding a military communications satellite are ongoing. The Airbus-Thales Alenia-led consortium, along with U.S. companies backed by the Pentagon, are competing to secure the deal. Lockheed Martin is engaged in discussions with Qatari officials, demonstrating the Pentagon's support for the Qatari MoD's satellite projects. However, there are differing views within Qatar’s MoD regarding the competition between U.S. and French firms. Qatari Emir Tamim has entrusted high-level officials with the decision-making process, including Minister of State for Defence Affairs Khaled Al Attiyah and Chief of Staff of the Qatari Armed Forces Lt. General Salem Bin Hamad Al Nabit. While the French Armed Forces Ministry is committed to securing the deal for a French company, sources suggest that the Airbus-Thales Alenia-led consortium is currently favoured. Qatar is expected to thoroughly evaluate all offers before reaching a final decision, reflecting its dedication to acquiring a military communications satellite to meet strategic defence needs amidst international competition.
Space and the Geopolitics of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflicts
In an interview with Armenian news outlet ArmenPress, former U.S. astronaut and senior SpaceX advisor Garrett Reisman reflects on geopolitical considerations when he recounts his decision to abstain from attending an international space conference in Azerbaijan due to concerns over the country's aggression against Armenia, underscoring the complex interplay between science, diplomacy, and ethics in international collaboration. Reisman also spoke about SpaceX's Starship super heavy rocket achieving a significant milestone on 6 June 2024, successfully entering Earth's orbit and returning safely, marking a breakthrough after previous attempts ended in explosions. The largest rocket ever launched, Starship can transport up to 100 people and over 100 tons of cargo, with Elon Musk envisioning its role in enabling human exploration of Mars and beyond. Reisman also discussed the future of space exploration, emphasising the evolving partnership between NASA and private entities like SpaceX. Reisman highlighted the agility and innovation fostered by SpaceX's culture, contrasting it with the more deliberative approach of traditional government agencies like NASA. Addressing concerns about the allocation of resources to space exploration amidst pressing earthly challenges, Reisman stressed the relatively small budgetary allocation to NASA and its potential to yield significant benefits in scientific advancement and problem-solving.
UAE Space Agency Hosts French Space Industry Delegation
The UAE Space Agency welcomed a space industry delegation from France, led by Nicolas Niemtchinow, Ambassador of the French Republic to the UAE. This delegation, consisting of representatives from 12 prominent French space companies such as Safran and Look Up Space among others, visited the UAE with the aim of exploring potential partnerships and collaboration opportunities with UAE partners such as the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), National Space Science and Technology Centre (NSSTC), Space42, and EDGE Group. The discussions centered on the UAE's rapidly growing space sector, its Space Economic Zones, and the possibility of joint ventures in space exploration programmes that could yield mutual benefits for both countries' space industries. This meeting underscores the increasing interest in international collaboration within the space industry and highlights the UAE's growing significance as a hub for space-related activities and initiatives.
Other News in Brief
Among the other regional space and satellite developments over the past week are:
The UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) hosted a Czech Space Industry Mission led by the Czech Republic’s Ambassador to the UAE Josef Koutsky;
Gabon’s Directorate General for Scientific Research delegation visited Türkiye's TÜBİTAK Space Technologies Research Institute (TUBITAK UZAY);
Türkiye is interested in expanding space cooperation with Angola.
Recommended Reading
Israel’s Space Industry Profiled Amidst War
Writing in Mosaic Magazine, Arthur Herman profiles Israel’s space industry, centered around the Palmahim Air Base, which has emerged as a rapidly growing and underappreciated aspect of Israel's rise as a high-tech titan. Leveraging a constellation of public and private entities, including government support, university research and development, technical expertise from defence and aerospace companies, and a pool of entrepreneurial talent, Israel's space programme has made significant strides in recent years. The workforce, attuned to Israel's strategic situation through their Israel Defense Force (IDF) training, brings a unique perspective and determination to the industry. Despite the setback of the Beresheet mission, which aimed to become the first privately funded spacecraft to make a soft landing on the Moon, Israel's space sector has demonstrated its potential to serve as a key partner for major international space companies and governments, particularly the United States. As the space industry becomes increasingly important for both commercial opportunities and great-power competition, Israel's combination of ingenuity, initiative, and innovation positions it as a potential decisive player in the future of space exploration and warfare. The Israeli space programme's growth and achievements, often overshadowed by other events, hold significant implications for the country's future survival, prosperity, and relationship with the United States.
Be sure to catch up with space activities in the region in the next edition of Middle East Space Monitor’s space roundup!