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Saudi Arabia
Key Points146
Funding:
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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.
S U M M A R Y
Saudi 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 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.
N A T I O N A L S P A C E O V E R V I E W
Saudi Arabia, along with some of its neighbors in the region, has long held an interest in space. Throughout the 1960s, members of the Arab League developed a set of principles with regard to a satellite network, culminating in the 1976 founding of the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat), headquartered in Riyadh, the Saudi capital.147
Arabsat has two satellite control stations in Riyadh and Tunis, which service countries across the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.148 Arabsat signified a considerable turning point, connecting the region with the world.149 Saudi Arabia was the largest financial contributor at the time of Arabsat’s founding, holding a 36.7% share, far more than the next largest shareholders, Kuwait (14.6%), Libya (11.3%), Qatar (9.8%) and the UAE (4.7).150 The Egypt-led Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) was established in 1969, although Saudi Arabia did not join until 1974.151 It is possible that this was due to tense relations between Egypt and Saudi Arabia at the time. The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) was initially founded in 1978 as the Saudi Arabian National Center for Science and Technology. KACST supports and leads a range of research programs, across solar energy, atomic energy, agriculture, engineering, medicine and space.152 Saudi Arabia’s first astronaut, Prince Sultan bin Salman, took off onboard the American STS-51 Space Shuttle in 1985.153 As well as being the first astronaut from an Arab or Muslim country in space, he was one of the youngest, at only 28.154 Although he lacked the advanced technical or scientific background typically sought by NASA, he had studied mass communications, trained as a civilian pilot, spoke fluent English, and was the son of Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, which qualified him as a payload specialist for the spaceflight.155 The Arabsat communications spacecraft, largely funded by Saudi Arabia, was deployed into orbit during this spaceflight.156
The Saudi satellite program formally started in 1998, with SaudiSat 1A and 1B (later designated Saudi-Oscar 41 and 42) launched in September 2000, followed by SaudiSat 1C (Saudi-Oscar 50) launched in December 2002, and SaudiSat 2 in June 2004.157 In 2004, the Saudi satellite program began commercial activities with the launch of Saudi-
147 ArabSat (2022) About. https://www.arabsat.com/english/about 148 Ibid. 149 Rashad, Marwa (2020) Saudi Arabia plans $2 billion boost for space programme by 2030. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudieconomy-space/saudi-arabia-plans-2-billion-boost-for-space-programme-by-2030-idUSKBN27D1ZH 150 ArabSat (2022). 151 ASBU (2022) Arab and International Cooperation. http://www.asbu.net/ar/6/%D8% 152 Saudi Arabia (1987) KACST: A Symbol of Scientific and Technological Progress, Saudi Arabia 3(2). 153 Shirah, Bader, Yousef M. Al Talhi. (2021) A roadmap for incorporating space medicine into the strategic plans of the Saudi space commission. REACH 21-22. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235230932100002X 154 Rashad (2020). 155 Beck, John (2020) Mars Mission Is Next Step in Intensifying Middle East Space Race. Bloomberg. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2020-06-24/saudi-arabia-and-u-a-e-have-entered-their-own-space-race 156 NASA Life Sciences Data Archive (2022) Mission/Study Information STS-51G. https://lsda.jsc.nasa.gov/Mission/miss/169 157 Altwaijry, Haithem (2010) Saudi Space Activities National Satellite Technology Program KACST. National Satellite Technology Program, KACST. https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/sites/default/files/images/u33/ALTWAIJRY%20SWW%202010.pdf
ComSat.158 The Saudi Space Commission SSC) was established by royal decree on 27 December 2018, with Prince Sultan bin Salman appointed chairman of the board of directors.159 The Commission’s mandate is to stimulate space-related research and industrial activities. However, the establishment of the SSC came at a tense time for international diplomacy, only shortly after the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.160 The establishment of the SSC required close collaboration with Western spacefaring nations, many of whom were opposed to Saudi Arabia’s role in the death of Khashoggi.
Founding the SSC was not a smooth process, taking 14 months to define the organizational structure, change the name from Saudi Space Agency and appoint members of the Board of Directors.161 At its first meeting, however, the SSC Board of Directors approved the National Space Strategy for the next 10 years,which outlines an unpublished plan for the development of human capital in space sciences.162
In 2020, Prince Sultan bin Salman announced SR8 billion ($2.1 billion) plans to invest in the nation’s space program by 2030, as part of an economic diversification plan that seeks to attract foreign investment and generate thousands of jobs.163 Vision 2030 was developed to instigate reforms as the nation faces plummeting oil prices, increasing regional instability, and domestic issues, such as youth unemployment and inefficient government.164 One of the objectives to meet 2030 goals includes developing low-cost satellite launch and manufacturing systems to achieve a high-tech industrial and research sector and the reduction of Saudi Arabia's dependence on oil.165 Another objective includes attracting and training young people pursuing science and technology studies. The Space Generations Program was initiated with the goal to inspire new generations and produce more space engineers and scientists.166
I N T E R N A T I O N A L C O O P E R A T I O N
Saudi Arabia is a member of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, having signed the five UN treaties and principles on outer space.167 The Saudi Space Commission became a member of the International Astronautical Federation to boost its space sector.168 There are also ambitious plans underway to attract investment from international corporations and to facilitate the entry of Saudi small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) to the global space market.169
The United States and Saudi Arabia enjoy good relations, with an extensive trade history and defense deals. Space-based trade includes US-based Lockheed Martin building satellite communication systems for Arabsat. Academic collaboration between the United States and Saudi Arabia has grown in
158 Altwaijry (2010). 159 Shirah, Bader & Yousef M. Al Talhi (2021) A roadmap for incorporating space medicine into the strategic plans of the Saudi space commission. REACH 21-22. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235230932100002X 160 Beck (2020). 161 Pons, Juan (2020) Saudi Arabia focuses its attention on the space sector within the framework of the Vision 2030 Plan. Atalayar 4 March 2020. https://atalayar.com/en/content/saudi-arabia-focuses-its-attention-space-sector-within-framework-vision-2030-plan 162 Pons (2020). 163 Rashad (2020). 164 Space Watch (2022) Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: A Golden Opportunity for Space?. https://spacewatch.global/2016/05/saudi-arabias-vision-2030-golden-opportunity-space-2/ 165 Pons (2020). 166 Ibid. 167 Ibid. 168 Arab News (2021a) Saudi space sector takes another giant leap with membership of global body, 8 February 2022. https://www.arabnews.com/node/1956101/saudi-arabia 169 Pons (2020).
importance. KACST embarked on a number of collaborative efforts, including the Center of Excellence for Aeronautics and Astronautics (CEAA), jointly established with Stanford University. CEAA was founded with the goal to enhance advanced research on space and aeronautical technology, while contributing to the transformation of Saudi Arabia “from a resource-based economy to a knowledgedriven society”.170 KACST has also jointly founded a Centre of Excellence for Space and Earth with the California Institute of Technology.171
Saudi Arabia remained a regional leader in space until 2004 when Iran, its geopolitical rival, established a space agency and embarked on its ambitious space program.172 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has also overtaken Saudi Arabia in its space initiatives in recent years, building up a considerable reputation in the global scientific community as a key contributor to space.173 The region is engaged in a space race of its own.174 While Saudi Arabia and the UAE form allies and economic partners, both countries do not have good relations with Iran. Saudi Arabia and Iran have been engaged in proxy wars in Syria and Yemen, with regional sectarian violence fueling the conflict. If the geopolitical landscape shifts, there is potential for militarization, which could affect the peaceful use of outer space.
Relations between China and Saudi Arabia are good, and the two countries are strategic allies and partners in space. Saudi Arabia has cooperated with China to launch Saudidesigned and built satellites to monitor Earth’s surface to enable urban planning, climate monitoring and high-resolution imaging.175 Saudisat 5a and Saudisat 5b were launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in China in 2018.176 The high-resolution images are used for Saudi defense and civilian applications.177 KACST also participated in the 2018 Chinese moon exploration mission Chang'e 4, developing an optical camera as part of a scientific payload.178
Russia and Saudi Arabia are both global oil exporters. In 2020, both countries engaged in an oil price war, leading to a significant price drop. Russia’s cooperation with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+), an organization with 15 member countries including Saudi Arabia, came under tension, though climbing oil prices after the pandemic may improve relations. In the space domain, Russia and Saudi generally have a cooperative relationship. Russia is training Saudi Arabian cosmonauts and both countries are developing a joint manned space mission.179
170 CCEA (2022) Center of Excellence for Aeronautics and Astronautics. https://ceaa.kacst.edu.sa/ 171 https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/technology/460525-can-saudi-arabia-join-the-uae-as-space-race-superpower 172 Beck (2020). 173 Letzter, Rafi (2020) Here's why the United Arab Emirates launched a mission to Mars. Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/united-arab-emirates-mars-why.html 174 Beck (2020). 175 Bridge, Sam (2018) King announces plans to set up Saudi Space Agency. Arabian Business. https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/technology/410411-plans-revealed-to-set-up-saudi-space-agency 176 Bridge (2018). 177 Pons (2020). 178 Saudi Press Agency (2021) Saudi Arabia is on the Verge of New Phase in Space Industry, With its Global Investments are Estimated at More Than $350 Billion. https://www.spa.gov.sa/viewfullstory.php?lang=en&newsid=2204535 179 Reuters (2021) Russia and Saudi Arabia prepare for joint manned space mission: statement. 25 May 2021. https://www.reuters.com/world/russia-saudi-arabia-prepare-joint-manned-space-mission-statement-2021-05-25/
The SSC has signed a number of agreements, for example, with the French National Center for Space Studies, on the subject of the peaceful use of outer space, as well as with the UK, Hungary and the European Space Agency.180 Saudia Arabia also cooperates with Greece, developing the Satellite 1/Hellas Sat 4 launched in 2019, a collaboration between KACST and Hellas Sat, the Greek satellite communication operator subsidiary of ArabSat.181 There are plans underway to sign additional agreements with the United States, Russia, China, India and the UAE to enhance space cooperation.182 Brazil and Saudi Arabia have signed cooperation agreements in a range of economic, industrial and infrastructure sectors. There are also plans to enhance cooperation on the peaceful use of space.183
F U T U R E
Considering Saudi Arabia’s status as a regional power, its significant financial potential, as well as its diplomatic and economic obstacles, Saudi Arabia seeks to form an expansive network of partnerships with space agencies, private companies, universities and research centers across the world.184 Saudi Arabia has ambitions to become a leading player in the global space industry, while increasing employment rates among its young population and becoming less dependent on the oil industry.185 However, significant challenges remain. The rising cost of living for students in cities, partly due to massive population growth, may present a barrier to entry into STEM fields. A number of domestic and international scholarships offer support to talented students. Moreover, the Saudi government has invested considerably in e-learning. In 2011 the government opened the Saudi Electronic University (SEU), a fully online university offering a range of science and technology programs.186
As Saudi Arabia moves towards its goals of Vision 2030, it remains to be seen how its efforts to become a global leader may be affected by regional instability and diplomatic tensions, for example, in relation to the war in Yemen. Saudi Arabia strongly relies on cooperation with established spacefaring countries for its satellites to be launched. The Kingdom finds itself in space competition with other actors in the region, including the UAE and Iran.187 While friendly rivalry can prove constructive towards fostering a competitive and innovative space sector, Iran-Saudi Arabia relations are locked in a regional ‘Cold War’ to secure influence in the region. If regional conflict escalates, there is a possibility that the scientific space budget may be constrained, or programs repurposed towards military uses.
Moreover, there are certain to be wider impacts and challenges with regard to transitioning from a resource-based economy to one that is more varied and innovative. As oil revenues reduce, budgets may tighten, making some of the ambitions of Vision 2030 more difficult to achieve, particularly where they relate to expensive space endeavors.
180 Arab News (2021b) Saudi Space Commission signs agreement with French counterpart.8 February 2022. https://www.arabnews.com/node/1981001/business-economy 181 Pons (2020). 182 Rashad (2020). 183 Arab News (2019) Brazil and Saudi Arabia sign cooperation agreements during Bolsonaro visit. 30 October 2019. https://www.arabnews.com/node/1576686/saudi-arabia 184 Ibid. 185 Arab News (2021a). 186 Almalki, Faris & Marios Angelidis (2016) Considering near space platforms to close the coverage gap in wireless communications: The case of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7821614 187 Beck (2020).
