Arab News, Sun, Jun 02, 2024 | Dhu al-Qadah 25, 1445
Saudi Arabia’s cosmic aspirations fueling economic prosperity beyond earth
Saudi Arabia:
Space exploration has transitioned from being solely government-driven to
becoming an essential element of our everyday lives, significantly enhancing our
quality of life.
Saudi Arabia is charting a course toward the
stars, propelled by an audacious vision that extends far beyond terrestrial
boundaries. Vision 2030 envisions the Kingdom as a formidable player in the
global arena of space exploration and technology.
In an interview with Arab News, Amar Vora, head of
space at Serco Middle East, noted that the genesis of Saudi Arabia’s cosmic
aspirations can be traced back to 1985, with the historic journey of Saudi
Prince Sultan bin Salman Al-Saud and the launch of Arabsat-1A.
“Let’s not forget the impressive achievements of
the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, which has been helping to
shape the national vision in space, building up knowledge, capacity, and
infrastructure for over 20 years,” he said.
Vora highlighted the 17 satellites launched by
KACST since 2000, along with the Saudi Space Agency’s formation from the Saudi
Space Commission.
He added: “Space endeavors are no longer an
exclusive playground for government; it is increasingly becoming a key component
of our day-to-day lives, positively impacting our quality of life.”
Pioneering achievements
Saudi Arabia’s journey into space began decades
ago, and since then, the Kingdom has achieved remarkable milestones.
Notably, the landmark partnership with Axiom Space
marked a significant milestone, as astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali Al-Qarni
embarked on the Ax-2 mission to the International Space Station in 2023.
Barnawi became the first Saudi woman to journey
into space, symbolizing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to gender equality and
inclusivity in the realm of space exploration.
Commenting on this endeavor, Vora said: “Of
course, the Ax-2 mission provided the space community with a flavor of what’s to
come from KSA’s space ambitions, becoming one of only a few countries to have
achieved human spaceflight, and that in record time since the Saudi space decree
was ratified!”
He went on saying that partnerships with companies
like Axiom Space “that are transforming and democratizing access to human
spaceflight, highlight the ability of CST and SSA to capitalize on innovative
solutions and services in the market.”
Vora commended Barnawi’s efforts and said that
this “is what we should come to expect from the Saudi and the global space
sector. This is a sector that provides equitable representation and inspires and
encourages engagement from people of all backgrounds and genders.”
Saudi Space Agency
The Saudi Space Agency oversees the formulation
and execution of the National Space Strategy, aimed at positioning the Kingdom
as a leading spacefaring nation.
Vora explained: “In doing so, SSA will be required
to develop national capabilities in space, across the space value chain, from
upstream (satellite systems and technologies), midstream (ground systems and
operations), to downstream (data management and value-added services). The
agency will also be responsible for promoting the uptake of space data across
government and industries.”
According to the top official, these advancements
necessitate industry support for design, delivery, and operation, giving the
agency a mandate to foster private sector expansion.
This entails partnerships and investments with
companies of varying sizes and backgrounds, both domestic and international,
facilitated by the establishment of the National Space Co.
“In implementing the strategic vision, SSA also
has a key role to collaborate with international partners, leveraging
international and long-standing experience and capabilities, with mutual
interests in achieving scientific excellence,” Vora said.
Ambitions beyond earth
Yet, Saudi Arabia’s cosmic ambitions extend far
beyond the confines of earth’s atmosphere.
With plans to develop a robust astronaut corps,
participate in lunar exploration missions, and foster a thriving commercial
space sector, the Kingdom is poised to carve out a formidable presence in the
cosmos.
Saudi Arabia is set to play a crucial role in the
entire space value chain, focusing on localizing satellite technology
production, enhancing space situational awareness, and utilizing space data for
various sectors, including climate-related initiatives, according to Serco.
A new report by the World Economic Forum predicts
that the global space economy could reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, rivaling the
semiconductor industry.
Space technologies, like communications and earth
observation, are expected to become as integral to daily life as
semiconductors.
The report emphasized that space will increasingly
connect people and goods across industries, with benefits extending beyond
financial gains to include addressing global challenges.
“Intensified collaboration between diverse
stakeholders from the public and private sectors will be key to unlocking and
maximizing the industry’s exponential potential for years to come,” it added.
From satellite manufacturing to space tourism, the
Kingdom is primed to capitalize on the burgeoning space industry, diversifying
its economy and driving innovation.
Abdullah Al-Dawsari, who is an aerospace and
defense project manager, told Arab News that “Saudi Arabia has the opportunity
to leapfrog in key emerging areas of the space economy.”
He said that this could be done through
“strategically investing in next-generation capabilities by developing advanced
satellite manufacturing using robotics, 3D printing, modular designs, offering
low-cost launch services and rocket manufacturing by innovating in materials,
propulsion, and reusability.”
He added: “Providing innovative incentives like
grants, tax benefits, and funding opportunities for research and development in
the space sector and removing bureaucratic barriers can further stimulate the
industry.”
“Ultimately, space is becoming a cornerstone for
economic growth, and this is exactly the vision and direction we are seeing from
Saudi’s recent strides in space,” Serco’s top official said.
The economic benefits of space exploration are
manifold, according to Vora. Space technologies and data are critical assets for
numerous industries, including agriculture, mobility, environment, defense, and
many others.
“We are seeing that space-enabled services have a
role in the Saudi giga projects; for example, we see increased awareness,
interest, and uptake from NEOM, Red Sea Global, and others,” he said.
Economist and policy adviser, Mahmoud Khairy, said
in an interview with Arab News that Saudi Arabia’s endeavors in space “isn’t
just about reaching for the stars; it’s about building a smarter economy.”
He added: “By venturing into space, Saudi Arabia
aims to not only boost its global standing but also inspire young Saudis to
pursue careers in science and tech. It’s all part of a bigger plan to transform
the economy, putting the Kingdom on the map as a leader in space exploration
while paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.”
Regulatory framework
The Communications and Space Technology Commission
has recently released regulations and a permit application to encourage private
sector involvement in the earth observation services market. This initiative
aims to boost GDP through value-added products.
The Communications and Space Technology Commission
has recently released regulations and a permit application to encourage private
sector involvement in the earth observation services market, aiming to boost
gross domestic product through value-added products.
The initiative will grant permits to entities
establishing EO platforms, facilitating data collection and processing. The
documents outline requirements for applicants and emphasize user rights and data
security. Interested parties are encouraged to review and apply for the permit.
Key initiatives, such as the Center of Excellence
for Earth and Space Science and the Center of Excellence for Aeronautics and
Astronautics, underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering world-class
capabilities in space technology and research.
Moreover, strategic partnerships with leading
space agencies and organizations propel the Kingdom’s space aspirations to new
heights.
Vora emphasized that “strategic partnerships are
essential in realizing the vision of the space sector in Saudi Arabia.”
He added: “For an emerging space-faring nation,
partnerships enable effective knowledge transfer and opportunities to learn from
past successes and failures. It allows the ability to share resources, risk, and
infrastructure, advance scientific and technological research, and gain access
to state-of-the-art innovations from a global ecosystem.”
Vora explained that the most famous and widely
referenced example of international partnerships and collaboration is the
International Space Station, where it showcases the benefits of national
collaboration.
He went to say: “Private space companies providing
both B2G (business to government) and B2B (business to business) services are
now the norm, along with the utilization of space data-driven solutions across
adjacent industries.”
He went on explaining that this can be done by
“introducing advanced technologies and services such as high-resolution imaging,
data analytics for climate monitoring, urban planning solutions, and defense and
security applications.”
Al-Dawsari added: “Private companies, with their
flexibility and innovative approaches, can significantly contribute to the space
industry.”
Private sector involvement in Saudi Arabia’s space
industry has key implications for economic growth. It drives innovation, creates
jobs, and attracts foreign investment, enhancing the Kingdom’s global
competitiveness, according to Khairy.
A unique cosmic identity
Beyond scientific and economic gains, Saudi
Arabia’s cosmic journey holds profound societal implications.
By inspiring the next generation of scientists,
engineers, and explorers, the Kingdom is cultivating a legacy of innovation and
discovery that transcends borders.
“Beyond the clear economic benefits of Saudi’s
endeavors in space, it undoubtedly has an impact on society,” Vora noted.
National space endeavors along with international
collaboration provides a catalyst for engagement in STEM fields through
inspiration and integration into education, he highlighted.
Vora added: “It’s great to see the mandate imposed
by KSA last year to integrate space and earth sciences into secondary education
curricula.”
As Saudi Arabia ventures into space, the Kingdom
remains committed to promoting sustainability and responsible stewardship of the
cosmos.
Sustainability comes in various forms in relation
to Saudi’s space policy, according to Vora.
“First, it’s KSA’s vision to create a sustainable,
localized space industry and ecosystem — this requires support from the
government in establishing an industry with long-term market opportunities,” he
explained.
Vora went on saying: “It’s how the national space
program contributes toward Saudi’s vision to be a leader in environmental and
climate sustainability. It’s what I call sustainability from space.”
As space access becomes easier and launches more
frequent, our space environment faces congestion and the risk of debris
colliding with satellites. Improved technologies, regulations, and in-orbit
solutions are needed to monitor and mitigate space debris.
“Saudi space policy demonstrates leadership in
this domain, enhancing the Kingdom’s role in the sustainability of space through
investment in technologies to track and monitor space debris,” Vora emphasized.
Khairy highlighted that space exploration requires
a “whole army” of experts, from scientists and engineers to technicians and
support staff.
“As the space industry grows, so does the need for
all sorts of services, from manufacturing to transportation. That means more
jobs for Saudis across the board,” he added.
Sovereign wealth funds
The pivotal role of sovereign wealth funds has
become increasingly apparent in recent times, particularly in the Middle East.
They have spearheaded economic diversification
efforts, as reported by Euroconsult, a consulting firm specializing in the space
sector.
The report added: “Prominent funds like the
UAE-based Mubadala Investment Company, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF),
and the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) have allocated substantial resources to
finance local, regional and international space projects and companies.”
Notable examples include partnerships like the one
between Saudi Telecom Co. and PIF to establish IoT Squared, a technology firm
specializing in the Internet of Things, as well as OIA’s acquisition of an
equity stake in SpaceX.
These investments not only support local,
regional, and international space projects and companies but also bring tangible
benefits to the countries involved, the report added.
Economist Khairy said that the PIF is “already
planning to invest heavily in the space sector and could be a major player in
funding the Kingdom’s space dreams.”
He added: “With its hefty financial resources and
focus on long-term investments, it could provide the cash needed to launch
satellites, conduct research, and build space infrastructure. Plus, investing in
space could boost Saudi Arabia’s global reputation and competitiveness, drawing
in even more investment and talent.”
“When Saudi Arabia aims for the stars, it’s not
just about the thrill of discovery; it’s about building a brighter economic
future right here at home,” Khairy concluded.