Space exploration is no longer the exclusive domain of governments; it has become a vital part of our everyday lives, enhancing the quality of life globally. Saudi Arabia is ambitiously charting its path into the cosmos, guided by Vision 2030, which seeks to position the Kingdom as a key player in the global space exploration and technology landscape.
Amar Vora, head of space at Serco Middle East, highlights the roots of Saudi Arabia’s space ambitions dating back to 1985 with Prince Sultan bin Salman Al-Saud’s historic space journey and the launch of Arabsat-1A. He applauds the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) for its over twenty years of contributions to the national space vision, including launching 17 satellites since 2000 and establishing the Saudi Space Agency from the Saudi Space Commission.
Pioneering Achievements
Saudi Arabia’s journey into space has been marked by significant milestones, such as the partnership with Axiom Space, which saw astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali Al-Qarni participate in the Ax-2 mission to the International Space Station in 2023. Barnawi’s journey as the first Saudi woman in space underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to gender equality in space exploration. Vora notes that this mission showcases Saudi Arabia’s rapid progress in human spaceflight since the ratification of the Saudi space decree.
Vora emphasizes the importance of partnerships with companies like Axiom Space, which democratize access to space and highlight the capabilities of the Saudi Space Agency (SSA) and KACST to harness innovative market solutions. Barnawi’s efforts are commended as part of a global space sector that promotes equitable representation and encourages participation from diverse backgrounds.
Saudi Space Agency and Ambitions Beyond Earth
The Saudi Space Agency is tasked with implementing the National Space Strategy to establish the Kingdom as a leading spacefaring nation. According to Vora, this involves developing national capabilities across the entire space value chain, from satellite systems to data management. The agency is also responsible for promoting space data use across government and industries, necessitating private sector collaboration to foster growth.
Saudi Arabia’s ambitions extend beyond Earth’s atmosphere, with plans to build a robust astronaut corps, participate in lunar missions, and cultivate a commercial space sector. The Kingdom aims to play a crucial role in the space value chain, localizing satellite production, enhancing space situational awareness, and leveraging space data for various sectors, including climate initiatives. The World Economic Forum predicts the global space economy could reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, with space technologies becoming integral to daily life.
A Unique Cosmic Identity
Saudi Arabia’s cosmic journey also holds significant societal implications, inspiring future scientists, engineers, and explorers. National space initiatives, combined with international collaboration, serve as a catalyst for STEM engagement and education. Vora highlights the integration of space sciences into secondary education curricula as part of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in space.
As the space industry grows, so does the demand for a wide range of services, creating job opportunities for Saudis. The pivotal role of sovereign wealth funds, such as the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), is crucial in financing space projects and supporting the Kingdom’s space dreams. Economist Mahmoud Khairy emphasizes that investing in space not only boosts Saudi Arabia’s global standing but also builds a smarter economy, paving the way for a sustainable future.
