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Saudi Arabia Key Points146 Funding: There are plans to invest $2.1 billion in the nation’s space program by 2030. Organizations: • The Saudi Space Commission (SSC) • The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) • Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat) Capabilities: • Saudisat 5a and Saudisat 5b imaging satellites • Arabsat communications satellites • SaudiComsat communications satellites International partners: The United States, China, the UAE, the UK, Greece, France, the European Space Agency.
SUMMARY
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audi Arabia has been active in space for nearly half a century, investing its considerable wealth into regional initiatives such as Arabsat. 1985 marked a turning point, when the first Saudi Arabian astronaut, Prince Sultan bin Salman, travelled into space. The Saudi satellite program has developed several satellites since 1998, with the start of commercial activities in 2004. While the country does not yet have launch capabilities, ambitious plans are underway to develop low-cost satellite launch and manufacturing systems. Vision 2030, the governments strategic
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development plan, sets out goals regarding the creation of a high-tech industrial and research sector and reducing the Saudi economy's dependence on oil exports. The region is engaged in a space race of its own, with Saudi Arabia competing against the UAE and their common rival, Iran. Regional conflict and engagement in the war in Yemen may pose potential obstacles to successful international partnering and investment.
Map: credit https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Saudi_Arabia_on_the_globe_(Saudi_Arabia_centered).svg
EQUITABLE ACCESS TO SPACE
INTERPLANETARY INITIATIVE
