Middle East Space Roundup: 1 to 7 January 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:
The First Edition of the Middle East Space Conference Takes Place in Muscat, Oman
The Middle East Space Conference, a groundbreaking event under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham bin Tarik Al Said, will take place from 8 to 10 January 2024.
The Middle East Space Monitor by AzurX, is proud to be a media partner of the Middle East Space Conference.
This event aims to be the premier international gathering for space and innovation in the region, exploring Oman’s vast potential in the space and satellite industries. Hosted by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology of Oman in partnership with Euroconsult, this event seeks to position Oman as a leading hub for space opportunities within the broader region.
Over the course of the carefully curated three-day programme, attendees will delve into the industry’s most pressing themes. With the participation of over 350 business leaders and more than 70 top-tier speakers expected, this conference offers an unparalleled platform for forging strategic partnerships and exchanging forward-thinking insights. The agenda of the conference can be viewed here.
In alignment with Oman Vision 2040, the Sultanate’s strategic roadmap for the future, this event was designed to showcase its space projects, foster global partnerships, attract investors to the country, and engage in discussions on the industry’s most pressing topics.
The Middle East Space Monitor will provide a summary of the conference in its 8 to 14 January 2024 edition that will be published on 15 January 2024.
Oman Seeks to Leverage Middle East Space Conference for Advancement in its Space Sector
Oman is positioning itself as a regional gateway for space applications and investment through the Middle East Space Conference. Represented by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, Oman aims to leverage its space sector to achieve the goals of Oman Vision 2040 and diversify its economy. Supervised by the Ministry's National Centre for Space, Advanced Technology, and Artificial Intelligence, the National Programme for digital transformation will focus on attracting investment opportunities in space activities over the next decade. The conference, held in collaboration with Euroconsult, gathers leaders from space agencies, international companies, and specialists to exchange experiences, build partnerships, and promote the space sector's role in attracting investments and advancing technologies. It aligns with Oman's vision to become a regional space application hub and foster economic diversification. The accompanying exhibition featuring local and international space technology companies further supports these objectives.
Saudi Space Agency to Host Space Debris Conference in February 2024
The Saudi Space Agency is taking proactive steps to address the escalating challenge of space debris by organising its inaugural conference, "Securing the Future Growth of the Global Space Economy." Set to commence on 11 February 2024 in Riyadh, the two-day conference will be hosted by the Saudi Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST), in partnership with the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs. It will serve as a vital platform for industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts to delve into the space debris issue, foster global governance, devise policies and legislation, and encourage groundbreaking research in the field. Dr. Mohammed Al-Tamimi, CEO of the Saudi Space Agency, underscores the significance of this conference in promoting sustainability in space and strengthening international collaboration in space management, highlighting the pivotal role of innovative technologies like artificial intelligence in space traffic management. The conference reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to sustainability and responsible space exploration. Anyone interested in attending this conference can register here.
Israel-Hamas Conflict Impacting I2U2 Activities, Including Space Plans
The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict is anticipated to have ramifications on future collaboration efforts among the India-Israel-United Arab Emirates-United States (I2U2) countries, although it is unlikely to impact the initial project implementation in India. The conflict has created diplomatic challenges, hindering the UAE's engagement with Israel within the I2U2 forum. While projects underway in India remain unaffected, the ambitious plans for collaborations in other regions, particularly in Africa, are expected to be impacted. The I2U2 initiative, often referred to as the West Asian Quad, was initiated in 2021 and focuses on identifying bankable projects in areas like water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security, to mobilise private sector investments to modernise infrastructure and address global challenges. Despite the current diplomatic hurdles, the I2U2 partnership has made progress in specific projects, such as a UAE investment in a food park in Gujarat, India, emphasising food security and sustainability goals in South Asia and the Middle East.
Turkish Space Agency Signs MoU with Sri Lanka’s General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers has approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) and the Turkish Space Agency. Proposed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Defence Minister, this agreement aims to facilitate resource development cooperation. The MoU is anticipated to offer KDU students opportunities to participate in the Turkish Space Agency's International Internship Program, providing them with valuable training experiences and various benefits. This collaboration reflects the growing interest in international partnerships in the field of space education and development.
Türkiye Reflects on its 2023 Space Achievements and Looks Forward to 2024 Space Dreams
In 2023, Türkiye demonstrated significant progress and ambition in its space endeavours, marking a pivotal year in its quest for prominence in the global space arena. The country celebrated achievements such as the successful launch of its domestically produced Earth observation satellite, IMECE, and prepared for its most ambitious space mission to date—the launch of Türkiye's first astronaut, F-16 fighter pilot Colonel Alper Gezeravci, to the International Space Station. This mission, scheduled for 17 January 2024, as part of the Axiom Mission 3, reflects Türkiye's commitment to space science and research. Türkiye also advanced its satellite capabilities, launched the world's first Hybrid Propulsion System into space, and announced plans for lunar research. Moreover, the country's focus on space education and awareness, highlighted by programmes like the Space Travellers Programme, demonstrates its dedication to nurturing the next generation of space enthusiasts and scholars. Türkiye's space diplomacy efforts and its role in hosting international space conferences further solidify its position as a rising star in the global space community. With each milestone achieved, Türkiye is establishing itself as a formidable presence in space exploration and technology.
French Satellite Communications Operator Eutelsat Warned to Remove Hamas-Affiliated Al Aqsa TV Channel
Arcom, the French broadcasting regulator, has issued a warning to Eutelsat, emphasising the need to prevent any further broadcasts of the Al Aqsa TV channel. The regulator's decision, released on 20 December 2023, cites the ongoing conflict in Gaza and a resurgence in anti-Semitic incidents as reasons for taking "restrictive measures specific measures in the fight against terrorism" regarding the channel's broadcasts. Arcom points out that there are known links between the channel and the Hamas terror organisation. While a formal notice to remove the channel from the air was issued to Eutelsat in 2010, it reappeared on Eutelsat 8 West B until 16 October 2023, when Eutelsat managed to negotiate its removal from the relevant multiplex. Eutelsat clarified that it did not directly oversee the channel's broadcast but acknowledged its presence as part of a partner distributor's bouquet in specific regions. Arcom underscores the responsibility of any satellite network operator under French jurisdiction to ensure that broadcasting contracts align with legislative principles. This regulatory action highlights the complex challenges satellite operators face in balancing freedom of expression with security concerns and legal obligations.
UAE Astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi Appointed Minister of Youth
Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi has been appointed as a minister in the UAE Cabinet as part of a government ministerial reshuffle, taking on the role of Minister of State for Youth. The appointment was influenced by public nominations for the position, reflecting a commitment to engaging the youth in government affairs. This move aligns with the UAE's broader efforts to encourage young talent and foster innovation. The reshuffle reflects the UAE's focus on strengthening its leadership team and preparing for a promising future, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum expressing optimism about the year ahead.
UAE’s MBRSC to Provide Airlock for NASA’s Lunar Gateway Space Station, Providing Emirati Astronauts Access to the Moon
The UAE has agreed with NASA to provide an airlock for the lunar-orbiting station known as the Lunar Gateway. The airlock will be supplied by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and is expected to be delivered by the end of this decade. This collaboration will not only bolster the UAE's space exploration efforts but also grant Emirati astronauts access to future Moon missions. The UAE's involvement in the Gateway programme is considered a significant milestone, and it underscores the country's commitment to advancing its space ambitions and participating in global space exploration initiatives. The Lunar Gateway, part of NASA's Artemis programme, aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon and serve as a staging point for lunar surface missions. This partnership highlights the increasing role of new space nations in shaping the future of space exploration and collaboration.
Be sure to catch up with space activities in the region in the next edition of Middle East Space Monitor’s space roundup!