Middle East Space Roundup: 15 to 21 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:
Türkiye’s First Astronaut Successfully Launched to Space, but Many Turks Have Questions
A SpaceX rocket recently launched a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on a trailblazing endeavor operated entirely by the private sector, highlighting the growing role of private industry in Earth's orbit. The mission, named Axiom-3, carried a European crew, including the first astronaut from Türkiye, Alper Gezeravcı, marking a historic milestone. This mission represents a shift towards increased commercial activity in space, driven by partnerships between private companies like Axiom Space, SpaceX, and NASA. Axiom's business model aligns with NASA's goal to encourage private industry investment in space travel and potentially replace the aging ISS with commercial space stations in the future. This mission signifies progress toward that goal and demonstrates the demand for research and experiments in space.
Gezeravcı and his international crewmates from Spain, Italy, and Sweden are set to conduct 13 scientific experiments during their two-week stay at the ISS. These experiments encompass a wide range of research areas, including the study of high-strength alloys, the effects of gravity on solid-fluid mixtures, growth and endurance tests of microalgae, transcriptome analysis in plants, and more. Türkiye's inaugural venture into crewed space exploration has sparked a debate about its scientific significance versus political motivations. The mission involves scientific experiments related to microgravity effects on human health and other research areas.
Despite the mission's significance, it has raised questions about President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's pursuit of global influence amid economic challenges and geopolitical complexities. While highlighting Türkiye's achievements in space some suggest that the mission may not significantly impact Türkiye's role on the global stage. Nonetheless, Türkiye's growing space programme is seen as a significant step towards international collaboration and innovation, with Gezeravci's mission being a symbol of national pride and scientific advancement. However, critics have questioned the scientific merit and economic justification, given Türkiye's current socioeconomic challenges. Some consider it a costly propaganda exercise, and concerns have been raised about the mission's funding. The participation of Gezeravcı, alongside astronauts from Spain, Italy, and Sweden, reflects international cooperation in space exploration and the growing role of the private sector. While the mission emphasises scientific contributions, it has faced scrutiny and criticism, with some viewing it as a political stunt in the context of upcoming local elections and Türkiye's economic difficulties.
Meanwhile, Türkiye's National Space Programme is making significant strides as the country marks its first crewed space exploration with the launch of Alper Gezeravci. Turkish Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir outlined the programme's ambitious goals, including building a Turkish space station, enhancing domestic rocket systems, and venturing on a lunar journey with indigenous spacecraft. The programme also aims to produce indigenous satellites for communications and Earth observation. Kacir emphasised the importance of space science in inspiring youth, promoting science, innovation, and technology, and contributing to Türkiye's strategic and economic advancement through cutting-edge projects in the space sector.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Launch Soraya Satellite to 750 Kilometer Orbit
Iran has announced a successful satellite launch into its highest orbit, causing concern among Western countries who fear it could advance Tehran's ballistic missile capabilities. The Soraya satellite was placed in an orbit approximately 750 kilometers above Earth's surface using a three-stage rocket. While the exact specifications of the Earth observation satellite remains undisclosed, it is part of Iran's space programme conducted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and civilian agencies. The United States has previously criticised Iran's satellite launches for violating UN Security Council resolutions, as they share similarities with intercontinental ballistic missile technology. Such missiles could potentially carry nuclear weapons, and Iran's nuclear programme has raised concerns with enriched uranium levels nearing weapons-grade. Iran has maintained that its space programme is purely civilian, while Western intelligence agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) suggest otherwise.
Despite some past challenges, Iran continues to pursue its space ambitions. The Aerospace Force of Iran's IRGC has achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching the Soraya (Sky) satellite into orbit at an altitude of 750 kilometers above the Earth's surface an altitude not achieved before with Iranian launch vehicles. This accomplishment was made possible using Iran's domestically manufactured Qaem 100 satellite launch vehicle, which is a three-stage solid-fueled rocket capable of carrying payloads up to 100 kilograms. The launch marked the first time an Iranian satellite reached the 750 km orbit, setting a new record in space launch for the country. The Soraya satellite, with an approximate mass of 50 kg, has initiated telemetry data transmission and is expected to have a three-year operational lifetime and capable of capturing 20-meter resolution images. This achievement represents a notable advancement in Iran's space capabilities and paves the way for further developments in its indigenous space industry, including the ability to send satellites into higher orbits.
Other News
Israel’s Orbit Communications Systems Secures American and European Contracts
Orbit Communication Systems, an Israeli provider of satellite communications terminals and communication solutions, has secured three significant contracts totaling $36.7 million. These contracts include an agreement with Israel’s Ministry of Defense for advanced communication systems worth $16.6 million, a $16.5 million frame contract with the U.S. Air Force to upgrade and maintain Orbit's Airborne Digital Audio System (ADAS) in KC-135 aircraft, and a $3.6 million order from a European integrator for satellite communication systems for naval military platforms. These contracts reflect the recognition of Orbit's technology reliability and performance, highlighting the growing demand for advanced communication solutions in various applications. CEO Daniel Eshchar emphasised the company's commitment to meeting this demand and further enhancing its efforts in the coming year.
Saudi Arabia Planning Significant Space Investments: Minister
Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is planning substantial investments in the semiconductor and space industries as part of the country's diversification efforts away from oil. According to Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al Swaha, PIF intends to make a significant investment in the semiconductor sector this year and establish a national space company for investments and acquisitions in the space industry. Al Swaha highlighted the potential for mergers and acquisitions in the space industry, stating that it is "ripe right now." PIF has rapidly expanded its assets and aims to control $1 trillion by 2025. This diversification strategy includes investments in auto manufacturing, semiconductors, and batteries. Saudi Arabia's space programme, launched in 2018, aims to establish regional and global leadership in the space economy by 2040, with a focus on communications to connect the unconnected. Despite escalating tensions between the U.S. and China, Al Swaha expressed confidence in attracting investments from both countries, emphasising Saudi Arabia's pro-investment and open-market stance.
Israel’s Gilat Wins Peru Telecommunications Contract
Israel’s Gilat Satellite Networks has secured a $17 million contract from Pronatel (Programa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones) for the expansion of a regional telecommunications project in Peru. This project builds upon the 2018 agreement between Pronatel and Gilat, aiming to provide connectivity to 35 new localities and multiple public institutions, including schools and health posts, in the Amazonas region. Gilat will also establish free Wi-Fi hotspots and a community tele-center with computer, printer, and internet services for a decade. This expansion aims to promote telehealth, tele-education, and digital inclusion in rural areas, facilitating access to resources and information and bridging the digital divide.
UAE’s du Partners with Intelsat for Connectivity in Remote Areas
Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC)'s du has partnered with Intelsat, a major satellite network operator, to extend cellular connectivity throughout the UAE. This collaboration aims to improve cellular services across the country, including remote areas. du's cellular backhaul solution, combined with Intelsat's IS-39 satellite capacity, will enhance mobile coverage in previously underserved regions. The partnership signifies du's commitment to delivering top-quality customer experiences and advancing the digital transformation in the UAE, setting a new industry benchmark for cellular networks and ensuring widespread and reliable connectivity for end-users.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Replica to be Housed at UAE’s MBRSC
The massive SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket model, formerly on display at the U.S. Pavilion during Expo 2020 Dubai, has found a permanent home at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in Dubai's Al Khawaneej district. This move comes after Pavilion organisers sought a lasting location for the 43-meter-tall replica. The rocket model, a highlight of the expo, will serve as a significant backdrop for future joint programmes, signifying its importance in the UAE's space endeavours. The U.S. Pavilion focused on space-related exhibitions and events, highlighting the close collaboration between the U.S. and the UAE in space exploration and missions, including the historic flights of UAE astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi on SpaceX rockets. This move further solidifies the growing role of the UAE in space exploration.
Karim Michel Sabbagh Speaks About UAE’s Space42 Ambitions
Yahsat and Bayanat, two prominent players in the Middle East's space technology sector, are set to merge and form a new AI-powered space technology entity named Space42. This move aims to create a vertically integrated powerhouse in the space technology sector, combining geospatial intelligence, satellite communications, and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. The merger is seen as a transformative step that will cover the entire space technology value chain, promoting innovation and offering comprehensive solutions. Karim Michel Sabbagh, former CEO of SES, will lead Space42. This consolidation represents a significant development in the space industry, harnessing the power of AI and expanding into new domains.
Companies from Oman and Poland Establish Satellite Manufacturing Company Called Spazers
Oman's ETCO SPACE has taken a significant step in the field of space exploration by establishing a joint Omani-Polish company called Spazers in collaboration with Polish firms SatRev and Tuatara. Spazers will focus on providing satellite manufacturing services, space launch services, and the construction and operation of ground stations in Oman and the Middle East. This initiative aims to foster innovation and collaboration in the regional space ecosystem, with a focus on satellite manufacturing for various purposes, including communications, Earth observation, and scientific research. The company will also leverage SatRev's experience in satellite launches to meet the growing demand in the region, while offering ground station services to enhance space services for government and commercial customers in the Middle East and North Africa.
UAE’s Thuraya Allegedly Victim of Cyber Attack by Anonymous Sudan
Thuraya Telecommunications, a UAE-based satellite service provider, allegedly faced a cyberattack orchestrated by Anonymous Sudan, a hacking group known for its cyber activities. This attack is part of a growing trend of cyberattacks targeting telecommunications organisations globally. In a separate incident, a cyber-espionage group with ties to Iran's intelligence service targeted telecommunications companies in Egypt, Sudan, and Tanzania. The expansion of such attacks to Africa represents a significant shift for these cyber threat actors, particularly MuddyWater, which previously focused on the Middle East. While data theft has not been confirmed, the motives behind these attacks appear to be centered on espionage or the potential for disruption.
Azerbaijan, Voyager Space Discuss Commercial Space Exploration Opportunities
Azerbaijan and Voyager Space are exploring potential collaboration in the realm of space infrastructure development and research programmes. Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov revealed discussions held during a meeting with Dylan Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Voyager Space, at the Davos World Economic Forum. The talks revolved around fostering cooperation to enhance space infrastructure, advance research and technologies, introduce innovative mechanisms, and bolster local capabilities in the space sector.
Israeli Space Startups Seek to Participate in U.S. Space Programmes
The space industry is undergoing a transformative shift from traditional space technology to what is known as New Space, as highlighted by Noga Yaari, VP Ecosystem Development at Israel’s Earth & Beyond Ventures. This shift has been facilitated by pioneering companies like SpaceX, which have not only opened up opportunities for startups but also expanded the customer base beyond government agencies and defence entities to include corporate giants like Blue Origin, Microsoft, AWS, and other tech leaders. Earth & Beyond Ventures, an Israeli venture capital fund, plays a vital role in nurturing Israeli startups focused on deep tech and new space, with the aim of positioning them for acquisition or investment by U.S. companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin. This evolving landscape underscores the emergence of space as a new and dynamic market, with investments emphasising dual applications that address challenges both on Earth and in space or leverage space resources to solve terrestrial problems.
UAE’s Bayanat Gathers Satellite Geospatial Leaders at Davos Roundtable
UAE’s Bayanat, a prominent provider of AI-driven geospatial solutions, organised a dedicated leadership roundtable at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The event, titled "Staying Ahead of Today with AI-Powered Geospatial Solutions," aimed to highlight the significance of AI and geospatial intelligence across various industries. Hasan Al Hosani, Managing Director of Bayanat, emphasised the growing importance of AI-driven geospatial solutions and the reliance on technological advancements to provide comprehensive data insights. The roundtable featured guest speakers such as Badr Al-Olama, Director General at Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and CEOs of prominent companies in the field, including ICEYE, Satellogic, and Hawkeye 360. Discussions revolved around the transformative potential of geospatial AI in areas like security, climate change, sustainable energy, and food security, positioning these technologies as crucial for global, state, and community intelligence, cooperation, and prosperity. The event showcased the increasing role of AI in shaping the geospatial industry and its broader impact on decision-making and innovation.
Israeli GNSS Jamming Impacting Neighboring Egypt and Jordan
According to Jordanian cybersecurity expert Majdi Al-Qabalin, Israel is reportedly conducting a large-scale jamming operation targeting global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) with assistance from multiple countries, including the United States, Russia, the European Union, and China. The primary objective of this operation is to disrupt the guidance systems of drones, with a specific focus on drones from Yemen, Palestinian Territories, and Lebanon. Al-Qabalin has emphasised that this action constitutes a significant breach of international law and represents illegal conduct that poses a threat to air navigation safety, tracking systems, mobile phones, and mapping systems in neighboring nations, particularly Jordan and Egypt. This development raises concerns about the potential consequences and ramifications of such activities on regional stability and security.
UAE’s MBRSC Starts Work on Airlock for the Lunar Gateway Space Station
The UAE has embarked on its collaboration with NASA to contribute to the Lunar Gateway, to enable Emirati astronauts to participate in future Moon missions. The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has initiated the development of an airlock, a critical component of the Lunar Gateway project, which is expected to be completed by 2028. The airlock serves as an airtight chamber for entering and exiting the space station and could cost as much as $100 million. The UAE's participation in this international endeavour, in collaboration with NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), marks a significant step towards advancing space exploration ambitions. This partnership also includes access for UAE astronauts to the Lunar Gateway, enhancing efforts to send the first Emirati to lunar orbit. While the agreement currently focuses on station access, further agreements would be necessary for lunar surface missions. The project underscores the UAE's commitment to space exploration and international cooperation in the field.
Oman Grants License for Ground Station to Receive Chinese Satellite Imagery
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Oman has granted a groundbreaking Category 3 license to the Oman Lens Company, enabling the establishment of a ground station linked to a satellite network. This marks a significant milestone as the first such license issued in Oman. The ground station will be utilised to monitor, track, and control satellites operated by the Chinese firm Star.Vision Aerospace Limited. The TRA emphasised that this license will facilitate the provision of satellite imagery for various applications, including mapping, environmental monitoring, resource management, agriculture, and disaster management. The establishment of this station aligns with the aim of promoting investment in innovative technologies and services while fostering the localisation of advanced technologies in Oman's telecommunications and space sector.
Iran’s IRGC Space Division To Make Advances in More Powerful and Larger Launch Vehicles
Brigadier General Ali Jafarabadi, Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force's Space Division, has announced Iran's plans for the next phase of its space programme. Following the successful launch of the Qaem-100 satellite launch vehicle (SLV), which used entirely Iranian solid fuel and achieved a 750-kilometer orbit (see story above), Jafarabadi emphasised Iran's increasing expertise in space technology. He highlighted the commitment of the IRGC’s Aerospace Force to support the government's space initiatives. The next step involves integrating the Qaem-100 SLV into the operational cycle and focusing on the Qaem-105 SLV, set to feature more powerful engines and advanced structural design, with test and research launches planned for the next Islamic year (after March 2024). Jafarabadi projected that within three years, Iran would enter the research phase for satellite launches using the Qaem-120 SLV, indicating the country's ambition to advance its space exploration capabilities further.
Other News in Brief
Among the other regional space and satellite developments over the past week are:
Bahrain and India express interest in expanding bilateral ties across a range of sectors, including space;
The University of Nizwa collaborates with NASA to establish an air quality modeling project in Oman;
The UAE’s Thuraya has successfully transformed its monetisation systems by upgrading to the latest release of Ericsson Billing, and introducing the latest release of Ericsson Charging to replace its legacy system. Thuraya will benefit from agility, flexibility in monetisation, and superior service experience.
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China’s Communist Party, Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group, and Saudi Arabia and the UAE
French online publication Intelligence Online published an exposé on Hong Kong-based Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group (HKATG), the company behind several space ventures in Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. According to the report, HKATG has several subsidiaries - ASpace and USpace - that it uses to pursue its commercial agenda in the Middle East, and by inference, the interests of the Chinese government. ASpace is the company partnering with the Saudi Space Agency, for example, with a $266 million satellite manufacturing plant to be built in the Kingdom announced in October 2023. USpace, on the other hand, announced in early January 2024 that it has been selected by the Abu Dhabi Port Authority to build the Abu Dhabi Space Eco City - a special economic zone for space and satellite companies. Moreover, HKATG has also agreed with the government of Djibouti to build a vertical space launch installation there said to be valued at $1 billion. According to Intelligence Online, of concern to Western governments are the close ties between HKATG, the Chinese government, and the Chinese Communist Party. Intelligence Online also alleges that HKATG has been pursuing a political influence campaign in the region by appointing high-profile business people and junior royal family members to its board, none of whom have any space industry experience. While Western concerns are understandable, it has to be asked: where are the similar U.S. and European space investments in the region that might counter Chinese influence?
Be sure to catch up with space activities in the region in the next edition of Middle East Space Monitor’s space roundup!