Middle East Space Roundup: 10 to 16 June 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:
UAE Space Developments
UAE’s Yahsat Signs $1.1 Billion Deal with Airbus for Al Yah-4 and -5 GEO Satellites and Two LEO Satellites
UAE-based satellite operator Yahsat has entered into a significant contract with Airbus worth approximately $1.1 billion to manufacture two new geostationary satellites, AY4 and AY5, using the advanced Eurostar Neo platform. These satellites will replace older versions, offering flexible multi-band payloads capable of dynamic reconfiguration in orbit to adapt coverage, capacity, and frequency as mission requirements evolve. The procurement programme, including spacecraft, ground segment infrastructure, launch, and insurance, is anticipated to total around $1.1 billion. Funded initially by Yahsat and supported by an advance payment from the UAE government, these satellites are slated for launch in 2027 and 2028, extending Yahsat's capabilities in telecommunications and satellite services. The announcement of the deal includes the procurement of two low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites from Airbus, as part of the $1.1 billion programme. The LEO satellites, based on Airbus' Arrow platform developed for OneWeb, reflect Yahsat's intent to diversify its satellite portfolio beyond traditional geostationary orbits. CEO Ali Al Hashemi emphasised this order supports Yahsat's strategy of offering multi-orbit solutions, aligning with their broader vision for Earth observation and direct-to-device satellite connectivity markets. This decision comes amidst Yahsat's ongoing investments and partnerships in satellite technologies, including synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, underscoring their commitment to enhancing regional and global satellite services.
Report: UAE Seeking Military Satellite Technologies from China and South Korea
According to Tactical Report, UAE President Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed's recent visits to South Korea and China underscore a strategic push towards enhancing the UAE's defence capabilities, particularly in the space sector. Discussions during these visits focused on potential collaborations in military satellite technologies, reflecting the UAE's ambition to bolster its military space capabilities. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed openness to cooperation across both civilian and military satellite projects, while South Korea also signaled readiness for collaboration. Emirati officials are discreet about details but are reportedly seeking technologies for satellites equipped with Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensors (HBTSS), and AI-enabled surveillance capabilities. With perceived restrictions from Western countries on transferring such advanced technologies, the UAE may prioritise cooperation with Asian partners like China and South Korea for military satellite endeavours, while possibly limiting engagements with Western firms to civilian satellite initiatives. This strategic approach aligns with the UAE's broader efforts to secure advanced defence technologies through international partnerships and local production agreements.
UAE’s MBRSC Sends MBZ-SAT to South Korea for Environmental Testing
The UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has initiated environmental testing for MBZ-SAT, the region's most advanced Earth observation satellite, following its transport to the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) in South Korea. Led by a team of 36 engineers from MBRSC, the testing phase is set to last two months and encompasses Thermal Vacuum (TVAC), Vibration, Acoustic, and Mass Properties tests crucial for validating the satellite's durability in space conditions. Scheduled for launch no earlier than October 2024 via SpaceX's Falcon 9 during the Transporter-12 Rideshare mission, MBZ-SAT has been fully developed by Emirati engineers, reflecting significant advancements in local aerospace capabilities. Equipped with powerful imaging technology, the satellite aims to enhance the UAE's position in space technology and support various applications including mapping, environmental monitoring, and disaster relief on a global scale.
South Caucasus Space News
Azerbaijan’s Azercosmos Committed to Space Sustainability
Azerbaijan's commitment to space sustainability was underscored by Samaddin Asadov, Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan Space Agency (Azercosmos), during the Space Generation Azerbaijan (SG Azerbaijan) event in Baku. Asadov emphasised Azerbaijan's proactive stance in ensuring that space activities are conducted responsibly to prevent harm to both space environments and Earth. He outlined efforts to manage satellite operations effectively and mitigate risks such as collisions, highlighting Azerbaijan's dedication to long-term space operation sustainability. This approach aligns with global efforts to define and uphold standards for responsible space utilization and environmental stewardship.
Armenia Signs Artemis Accords, Further Distancing Itself from Russia
Armenia's recent accession to the Artemis Accords marks a significant milestone in the country’s evolving foreign and space policies, occurring on the same day that Yerevan announced its formal withdrawal from the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO). During a ceremony at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasised Armenia's historical contributions to space exploration and its commitment to advancing principles of safety, transparency, and responsibility in lunar, Martian, and deep space missions. Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, Minister of High-Tech Industry, signed on behalf of Armenia, highlighting the accord's potential to enhance technological capabilities and inspire future generations. With Armenia becoming the 10th country to join this year, and the 43rd overall, the Artemis Accords continue to foster global collaboration rooted in international space treaties and responsible conduct, setting a precedent for expanded human presence and scientific advancement in space exploration.
Egypt Space Developments
Egypt and Bahrain to Collaborate on China’s Chang’e-7 2026 Lunar Mission
Egypt and Bahrain have joined China's lunar exploration efforts through their collaboration on the Chang'e-7 mission, slated for 2026. The agreement, facilitated by the Egyptian Space Agency, Bahrain’s National Space Science Agency, and China's Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, focuses on developing a hyperspectral camera to investigate lunar surface materials, particularly at the Moon’s south pole where water ice is a target. This partnership marks Egypt and Bahrain's inaugural venture in lunar exploration, reflecting their aspirations to deepen ties with China in space endeavours. The participation of Arab countries, including Bahrain's strategic positioning amidst regional competition, underscores a broader ambition to enhance regional space cooperation and build technical capabilities. Egypt's advanced satellite infrastructure and Bahrain's interest in Earth observation contribute to their roles in expanding collaborative space projects, aligning with broader international initiatives such as the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) and the Artemis Accords, despite Bahrain’s close ties with the U.S.
Egypt’s Remote Sensing Authority Partners with Water Research Centre for Water Resource Management
Egypt's National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences (NARSS) and the National Water Research Center (NWRC) have signed a joint cooperation protocol to strengthen national efforts in water resource management and development. The protocol, which aligns with Egypt's Vision 2030, aims to harness the expertise of both institutions to address the country's water challenges. Islam Abu Al-Majd, Chairperson of NARSS, emphasised the Egyptian state's reliance on scientific research as a driver of sustainable development and highlighted NARSS's contributions to presidential initiatives and national projects. Sherif Mohammadi, head of NWRC, stressed the importance of collaboration between research institutions to confront challenges related to natural resources and expressed a desire to utilise NARSS's expertise in joint projects and integrated work teams to develop innovative solutions for water issues. The protocol encompasses a wide range of collaborative efforts, including the study and evaluation of surface and groundwater resources, the evaluation of water resources while considering the interplay between water and society, the development of smart systems for efficient water management and distribution, and the advancement of research in new and renewable energy to rationalise water consumption in power generation. The meeting showcased modern technologies that could revolutionise the study and sustainability of water resources, such as aerial and ground laser technologies, advanced imaging, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.
Other News
Israel: Technion Scientists Develop Method for Using LEO SATCOM to Enhance GNSS
In a recent June 2024 publication in Navigation, the Journal of the Institute of Navigation, researchers from Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Arial Baron, Pini Gurfil, and Hector Rotstein, present a methodical exploration of Doppler navigation using signals of opportunity (SoOps) from low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Titled ‘Implementation and Accuracy of Doppler Navigation with LEO Satellites,’ the paper introduces analytical formulations for the Jacobian matrix essential in numerical navigation solutions, alongside a novel metric akin to Global Navigation Satellite Services (GNSS)-based dilution-of-precision, crucial for assessing accuracy. Highlighting LEO satellites’ proximity to Earth compared to traditional GNSS satellites, the study underscores advantages such as stronger signal robustness against jamming and enhanced Doppler effect utilisation. As companies like OneWeb, SpaceX, and Boeing advance plans to deploy LEO satellites for global broadband services, the proliferation of LEO SoOps promises diverse frequency options, including L-band, S-band, and Ku-band, augmenting their potential for resilient navigation applications.
Türkiye to Elevate its Space Ambitions Through New International Partnerships
Türkiye aims to elevate its space research capabilities through new international partnerships in human space missions, as emphasised by Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir during a recent press conference with Türkiye's pioneering astronauts Tuva Cihangir Atasever and Alper Gezeravci. Kacir highlighted Türkiye's commitment to leveraging space for scientific advancement and technological competitiveness. Atasever's recent suborbital flight, where he conducted seven scientific experiments under microgravity conditions, including groundbreaking research in genetics and metabolic changes, underscores Türkiye's growing prowess in space science. Kacir emphasised Atasever's symbolic gesture of unity by carrying both Turkish and Azerbaijani flags, marking a significant moment in Turkish space exploration history.
Saudi Arabia’s Skyband Selects Hughes Network Systems for SATCOM Networking
Hughes Network Systems has secured a significant agreement with Luna Space Telecommunications, a subsidiary of Skyband Holding in Saudi Arabia, to deploy a Jupiter gateway and supply 1,200 Jupiter terminals. This deal underscores Hughes' longstanding partnership with Skyband, spanning over a decade, in delivering satellite network infrastructure to various sectors including government, finance, and oil and gas industries in Saudi Arabia. The agreement involves migrating Skyband's current network to Hughes' platform and expanding services using software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN). Fouad Nasser, Chief Business Officer of Skyband, praised Hughes for consistently providing cutting-edge satellite broadband solutions, facilitating connectivity crucial for their clients' digital transformation efforts.
Iran Set to Launch Research Satellite, Satellite Dispenser, Soon
Iran's ambitious space plans under the leadership of Hossein Salariyeh, Head of the Iranian Space Agency (ISA), are set to advance significantly in the coming months with the launch of two domestically-developed satellites using homegrown launch vehicles. Despite facing international sanctions, Iran has made notable strides in its civilian space programme, establishing itself among the top 10 countries capable of satellite development and launch. The upcoming launches include the deployment of the Saman orbital transfer block, aimed at placing satellites in higher orbits economically, and an indigenous research satellite. Earlier successes, such as launching the Mahda research satellite and Soraya satellite into orbit using the Simorgh and Qaem-100 launch vehicles respectively, highlight Iran's growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to advancing indigenous aerospace technologies.
Other News in Brief
Among the other regional space and satellite developments over the past week are:
Azerbaijan’s Azercosmos has repaid a $116.6 million loan for a previous satellite acquisition to BNP Paribas;
Iran and Tajikistan sign an agreement to cooperate on geodesy and mapping.
Recommended Reading
Turkish Perspective on the Growing Challenge Posed by Space Debris
Writing in Türkiye’s Daily Sabah, Abdullah Sultan Fatih Oruç writes that the integration of space technology into everyday life has revolutionised global operations across communication, banking, navigation, and more over the past three decades. Satellites now form a critical backbone supporting national security and economic activities worldwide. However, this advancement faces escalating challenges, particularly from space debris, which threatens existing benefits. The proliferation of satellites, driven by a surge in commercial and state-led space activities, has led to a congested orbital environment susceptible to collisions and the creation of further debris. Regulatory frameworks, like the outdated 1967 Outer Space Treaty, struggle to address these modern complexities, leaving space governance inadequately equipped to manage the growing risks. As the global space economy expands rapidly, reaching an estimated $772 billion by 2027, and with ambitious satellite constellations planned by entities like SpaceX and China, urgent international cooperation is needed to enforce stringent space traffic management and debris mitigation measures. Addressing these issues is crucial to safeguarding space as a sustainable and secure domain for future exploration and innovation.
Satellite Dishes and Saudi Arabia’s Religious and Aesthetic Sensibilities
In Asharq Al Awsat, Ghazi Al Harthi writes that the integration of satellite dishes into Saudi society has been marked by decades of social and regulatory challenges. Initially met with religious opposition and a fatwa declaring them forbidden, satellite dishes have sparked societal divisions and even incidents of enforcement by shooting them down. Despite their initial controversy, satellite dishes proliferated in the early 1990s, offering unprecedented access to international and Arab channels. However, recent municipal initiatives in cities like Riyadh aim to curb their visual impact on urban aesthetics, integrating their removal into building compliance regulations. Efforts to incentivise their removal, such as free channel subscriptions offered by the Eastern Region Municipality in partnership with Saudi Telecom Company, reflect a broader shift towards digital alternatives and urban cleanliness. As technological advancements continue and digital streaming services gain popularity, the focus now turns to enhancing urban aesthetics and reducing environmental impact, aligning with modern architectural and community values in Saudi Arabia.
Be sure to catch up with space activities in the region in the next edition of Middle East Space Monitor’s space roundup!