Middle East Space Roundup: 17 to 31 December 2023
A summary of all the space news in the Greater Middle East over the past two weeks, powered by AzurX
Middle East Space Monitor wishes our subscribers and readers a Happy New Year and a healthy, prosperous, and gentler 2024.
The following are the major space developments in the Greater Middle East region tracked by Middle East Space Monitor over the past two weeks:
Oman and India Deepen Space Cooperation During State Visit by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik
Oman and India are deepening their collaboration in space exploration and technology, with both countries recognising the value of this partnership. Discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik underscored their commitment to expanding space cooperation, including remote sensing, satellite launches, and space technology applications. India's Space Diplomacy programme, which provides training in nanosatellite development to scientists from various countries, including Oman, has facilitated capacity-building initiatives. This collaboration represents a significant step towards mutual growth in space capabilities, as Oman seeks to leverage India's space expertise, share resources, and develop its space capabilities through international cooperation. For Oman, partnering with India offers access to established satellite technology and space applications, reducing costs and accelerating progress in space exploration without the need to build all infrastructure independently. This growing partnership signifies a shared commitment to advancing space exploration and technology utilisation.
UAE’s Bayanat and Yahsat to Merge Creating AI-Powered Space Company Valued at $4.1 Billion
Bayanat, the UAE’s premier geospatial company, and Yahsat, the UAE’s premier commercial satellite operator, both listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), have announced their merger plans to create an AI-powered space technology leader for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. With an estimated market capitalisation of over AED15 billion ($4.1 billion), this merger aims to become one of the world's most valuable publicly listed space companies by market cap. Bayanat will continue as the surviving entity post-merger. Shareholders of Bayanat and Yahsat will own 54% and 46% of the combined entity, respectively. This merger will position the new entity for regional and international opportunities in geospatial and mobility solutions, as well as satellite communications. With a strengthened financial position and enhanced AI-powered technological capabilities, the merger aims to establish a platform for transformative space-based services. This strategic move reinforces the UAE's status in AI and space communications, challenging global contenders and likely sparking more mergers in the sector.
Resulting Company Out of UAE’s Yahsat and Bayanat Merger to be Called Space42
The merger of Yahsat and Bayanat AI are to form a new entity named Space42. This merger, expected to be completed in the second half of 2024, will result in a vertically integrated AI-powered space technology giant with an implied market capitalisation of 15 billion dirhams ($4 billion). Mansoor Al Mansoori will serve as Chairman, Dr. Bakheet Al Katheeri as Vice Chairman and Karim Michel Sabbagh will join as Managing Director. The combined entity aims to capitalise on opportunities in geospatial and mobility solutions, satellite communications, and business intelligence, positioning itself for regional and global growth. The merger signifies the continued growth and integration of AI and space technology in the Middle East and North Africa region, with potential for significant synergies.
UAE’s Bayanat Charts Future Path in AI-Powered Geospatial Market
In parallel to the news of the planned merger of UAE companies Bayanat and Yahsat, Bayanat has witnessed significant evolution in the geospatial data marketplace over the years. Initially a mapping and surveying company, it has transformed into an AI-powered geospatial analytics firm, catering to various sectors, including smart mobility, logistics, and supply chain. This transition reflects the rapid pace of innovation in technology, particularly in geospatial intelligence, artificial intelligence (AI), and Big Data analytics. Geospatial data accuracy is expected to improve, enabling more precise decision-making in fields like autonomous vehicles and urban planning. Additionally, the integration of AI with geospatial Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) is poised to revolutionise data products into valuable information, benefiting various industries. Bayanat's vision for the future includes focusing on AI/ML, satellite technology, and location-based services to support the UAE's goal of becoming a global geospatial leader by 2031. The company also emphasises strategic partnerships and sustainability efforts, emphasising the role of predictive intelligence in global sustainability goals.
Türkiye’s First Astronaut Alper Gezeravci Prepares for ISS Mission
Türkiye is set to make history with its first astronaut, Alper Gezeravci, embarking on a space mission aboard a SpaceX rocket originally scheduled for 9 January 2024, but now pushed back to 17 January 2024. Gezeravci, a 44-year-old fighter pilot with the Turkish Air Force, will join three other crew members on the Axiom-3 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission marks the culmination of a deal between Türkiye and Houston-based Axiom Space, allowing a Turkish citizen to travel to space during the country's centenary celebrations. Gezeravci's mission specialist role will involve conducting over 30 scientific experiments on the ISS, including the Cosmic Brain Organoids project, which aims to explore microgravity's effects on neural stem cells to develop therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative diseases. This historic mission holds significance for Türkiye and underscores its growing presence in space exploration.
Iran Denies Using Animals in its Recent Space Bio-Capsule Experiment
The Iranian Space Agency (ISA) has responded to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ (PETA) call to cease using animals in its space programme, confirming in a letter to PETA that its recent space capsule launch on 6 December 2023 did not involve real animals but instead utilised humane "simulation kits and sensors" for data gathering. PETA has welcomed this development as a positive step toward animal welfare, but it remains vigilant and committed to monitoring the ISA until it completely bans the use of animals in its space endeavours. The ISA has previously been criticised for its use of animals, including monkeys, rodents, turtles, and worms, in past space missions. PETA's advocacy has led NASA and the European Space Agency to halt space experiments on monkeys, acknowledging the lack of relevance of such experiments to human astronauts.
Eutelsat Partners with RLTT for SATCOM Connectivity in Libya
Eutelsat Group has entered into an exclusive distribution partnership agreement between its connectivity business unit, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Rawafed Libya for Telecommunications & Technology (RLTT), a Libyan telecoms operator. This collaboration aims to deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity throughout Libya, offering a hybrid bundle of both enhanced GEO and LEO services. These services will cater to various sectors, including oil and gas, financial services, government, telecom operators for cellular backhaul, and humanitarian organisations requiring remote connectivity. Eutelsat OneWeb will provide exclusive access to its low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellation, delivering full connectivity in Libya starting from early 2024. This agreement reflects Eutelsat OneWeb's growing presence in the African market and its commitment to bridging the digital divide by providing resilient connectivity solutions.
Saudi Arabia and Egypt Sign Space Cooperation MoU
The Saudi Space Agency (SSA) and the Egyptian Space Agency have formalised their commitment to cooperation in space activities for peaceful purposes by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU). This MoU establishes a framework for collaboration, encompassing various aspects such as information and technology exchange, research and development, and the peaceful utilisation of space. It reflects SSA's efforts to bolster international partnerships, promote technology localisation, and advance the space sector in line with its objectives. This collaborative step between Saudi Arabia and Egypt builds upon their existing cooperation in various sectors and holds the potential to strengthen their economic and technical presence in the global space arena, further solidifying their positions regionally and internationally.
World Radiocommunications Conference 2023 Successfully Concludes in Dubai
The World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-23), hosted by the UAE and concluded by the Emirati Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), signifies a significant milestone in shaping the future of global telecommunications. With over 4,900 attendees from 193 countries and 900 international organisations, universities, and companies, WRC-23 fostered global collaboration to address the challenges of spectrum management in an increasingly connected world. The conference focused on meeting the demands of wireless communication services, including 5G and Internet of Things (IoT), while ensuring compatibility with satellite systems and addressing coordination challenges. It also delved into emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and space exploration. The agreements and decisions reached at WRC-23 will contribute to equitable access to digital technologies and bridge technological divides, underlining the importance of international cooperation in the telecom sector. The UAE's role as host and chair reflects its position as a hub for global events and its commitment to global progress through innovation and digital transformation.
African Earth Observation Hackathon Held in Tunisia
In December 2023, the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS), in collaboration with partners including the European Space Agency (ESA), African Union, GMES & Africa, and Manouba School of Engineering, organised the "Earth Observation for Sustainable Management of Natural Resources Challenge (EO4SMNR)" hackathon in Tunis, Tunisia. This event aimed to promote the utilisation of cloud computing to generate essential data supporting water and natural resource management throughout Africa. The hackathon attracted 254 participants from various African countries, spanning students and startups, who accessed a wealth of geospatial data through the ESA's DUNIA cloud-based computational platform. Their task was to develop prototypes addressing critical themes such as improving water efficiency in agriculture, identifying areas impacted by land degradation, managing coastlines, and strengthening food security. Two standout teams, recognised for their comprehensive solutions, showcased their innovative approaches and practical applications of Earth observation data, addressing pressing water, land, and food security issues in Africa.
Iran and Yemen’s Houthis Weaponise Satellite-Enabled AIS to Attack Shipping in Red Sea and Indian Ocean
Iran and Yemeni Houthi rebels have been employing the satellite-enabled Automated Tracking System (AIS) as a means to locate and target ships in the Red Sea, with their activities extending to the Indian Ocean since December 2023. While AIS provides valuable information about commercial ships, it lacks data on military vessels. To overcome this limitation, Iranian radar systems are utilised to identify military ships. This operation is highly sophisticated, conducted in real-time, and necessitates substantial resources for target identification. The collaboration between Iran and the Houthis in this endeavour is evident. AIS is a standard system onboard commercial ships, transmitting details like name, location, position, course, and speed, contributing to maritime safety. However, the majority of small fishing and tourist boats do not employ AIS, and radar effectiveness varies, particularly against wooden vessels and in adverse weather conditions. U.S. military ships also possess AIS systems but may not always activate them. In contrast, military vessels utilise collision-avoidance radars and maintain 24-hour watches, prioritising safety at sea. The incident involving the USS Fitzgerald in 2017 serves as a reminder of the importance of these safety measures, as it collided with a merchant ship while not using its AIS system, resulting in tragic consequences.
Finland’s ICEYE Opens Office in the UAE as SAR Satellite Sales Soar
ICEYE, the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) Earth observation satellite manufacturer and operator from Finland, has opened an office in the UAE, demonstrating the Middle East's growing significance in space research and technology. Partnering with Bayanat and Yahsat, ICEYE aims to expand commercial opportunities in the UAE space ecosystem. This move aligns with the broader trend of increased involvement in space activities across the Gulf countries, driven by both government entities and private businesses. The UAE, in particular, has made substantial investments in its space sector and reduced its reliance on oil, fostering a forward-thinking approach to technology and innovation. ICEYE's advanced SAR satellites offer valuable capabilities for monitoring the Earth's surface in real-time, with applications spanning border monitoring, site activity monitoring, and maritime domain awareness. The region's demand for remote sensing data is projected to grow significantly, presenting lucrative opportunities for satellite communication companies. ICEYE's partnership with Bayanat and Yahsat aims to bolster national satellite remote sensing and Earth observation capabilities, contributing to geospatial insights for various industries. This development reflects the global space industry's shift toward recognising the value of new space technologies and their potential to address terrestrial challenges effectively.
Bahrain Participates in Third U.S. National Space Council Meeting
During the third U.S. National Space Council meeting chaired by American Vice President Kamala Harris, Bahrain's Ambassador to the United States, Sheikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa, participated in discussions centered on the expansion and strengthening of the Artemis Accords coalition. This international initiative, signed by 33 countries, is dedicated to supporting sustainable and secure space exploration. The meeting also addressed topics such as the growth of space activities, climate change, and the necessity to establish new international regulations for space exploration. Ambassador Al Khalifa emphasised Bahrain's accomplishments in the space sector, aligning with His Majesty King Hamad's vision and the kingdom's commitment to the Artemis Accords, a framework facilitating collaboration among member states. Through its representation by the National Space Science Authority (NSSA), Bahrain aims to foster cooperative opportunities within this global space exploration endeavour.
UAE’s MBRSC Unveils its 2024 Research Experience for Undergraduates Programme
The UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has unveiled its 2024 Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Programme, aimed at nurturing the next generation of Emirati space science professionals. This 10-week initiative targets Emirati sophomores, juniors, and seniors pursuing STEM subjects and is scheduled for the summer of 2024. Held at MBRSC in the UAE, the programme offers research opportunities in Earth Planetary Science, Human Health in Space, Protein Crystallisation in Space, and Engineering. Participants will work under the guidance of expert mentors, either virtually or in-person, following their engagement in the REU Knowledge Camp. The programme's objectives encompass immersing students in the UAE Space Programme, enhancing their professional skills, fostering networking and collaboration, and kindling their passion for space science. Exceptional students may receive further collaboration opportunities with MBRSC, and their research could contribute to senior thesis projects or serve as a stepping stone for advanced studies in science or engineering. Adnan Al Rais, Assistant Director General, Space Operations and Exploration Sector, MBRSC, emphasised the programme's significance in nurturing the STEM culture among the UAE's youth and contributing to the country's scientific advancements. Interested candidates can apply until 30 January 2024.
Earth Observation Expert Aravind Ravichandran Joins Advisory Board of UAE’s AzurX
AzurX, the UAE-based space professional services and investment company, has appointed renowned Earth observation (EO) expert Aravind Ravichandran to its advisory board. Ravichandran, the founder of TerraWatch Space, is a highly regarded Earth observation industry expert and has worked on numerous strategic assessments for EO companies, space agencies, and investors globally. A key objective for AzurX is to develop a shared understanding of space technologies and capabilities among thought leaders and decision-makers and, subsequently, to facilitate informed discussions, cooperation, and investment in these technologies. NB. AzurX supports the Middle East Space Monitor.
Egypt Hosts Space Technology Workshop for African Countries
The Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA), in collaboration with the Egyptian Agency for Partnership and Development (EAPD), successfully hosted the third edition of the "Basic Space Technology Training Workshop 2023." This workshop was strategically designed to promote capacity building among African engineers and scientists, aligning with the objectives of the African Space Policy and Strategy and the African Space Agency. As part of a broader regional collaboration framework, the workshop served as a platform to advance inclusive development in space technologies and leverage the benefits of space exploration. It also featured hands-on exercises to enhance satellite engineering skills for teams representing African nations, contributing to the strengthening of relations between Egypt and African countries. With delegates from thirteen African countries participating in this training session, the event offered an opportunity for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and showcased the progress of establishing the headquarters of the African Space Agency. Professor Mohamed Sedky, CEO of EgSA, highlighted the importance of this training session and its role in fostering future collaborative opportunities.
Iran Ready to Commercialise Data Collected by its Omar Khayyam Earth Observation Satellite
Iran's Space Research Institute has taken a notable step towards commercialising satellite imagery collected by the Omar Khayyam Earth observation satellite, recognising its potential to serve multiple sectors. Ahmad Soleimani, the institute's commercialisation representative, outlined Khayyam's capacity to compete in the market, with a particular focus on applications in environmental monitoring and agriculture. Collaborations with governmental and private entities, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Organization, demonstrate the institute's proactive engagement in areas like agricultural land mapping and dam water level monitoring. Soleimani stressed the importance of addressing Iran's environmental requirements through satellite imagery, encompassing various aspects like grassland monitoring, deforestation, and changes in agricultural land. Furthermore, he emphasised the need to cater to diverse organisational needs, including entities such as Iran's National Copper Company, highlighting the importance of creating a competitive market with pricing strategies to attract potential buyers. With Khayyam's year-long operation in space and the establishment of comprehensive archives, the initiative is well-prepared to meet the demands of various sectors effectively.
Other News in Brief
Among the other regional space and satellite developments over the past week are:
The UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) will host the 43rd International Society for Gravitational Physiology meeting in May 2024;
Azerbaijan’s Azercosmos receives Tier IV compliance certification from the World Teleport Association (WTA);
Azerbaijan’s Cabinet of Ministers approves national ‘On Space Activities’ law;
Azerbaijan’s Azercosmos announced revenues of $18 million for the period of January to November 2023.
Recommended Reading
The United States and China Compete for Space Allies in the Arab World
Writing in The Hill, analyst Mark R. Whittington explains recent developments in space diplomacy that highlight a growing diplomatic dimension in the global race to the Moon, involving NASA, China, Egypt, and the UAE. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson's visit to the UAE focused on the possibility of including Emirati astronauts in future Artemis Moon expeditions. This engagement reflects the significance of international collaboration in space missions and underscores the UAE's commitment to space exploration as a driver of its economy. The UAE has established a notable space programme, with missions to Mars and lunar exploration. Its connection with NASA strengthens ties and cooperation in space endeavours. Additionally, the UAE has partnered with China, signing agreements related to the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project, positioning itself as a sought-after participant in the modern space race. Egypt has also joined China's lunar efforts, further expanding China's influence in the Middle East. These developments provide benefits for all parties involved, from diplomatic influence to scientific cooperation and investment. While the United States maintains its leadership in space diplomacy, engaging moderate Arab states like Egypt and Jordan in the Artemis Accords can further promote peaceful space exploration in the Middle East.
Be sure to catch up with space activities in the region in the next edition of Middle East Space Monitor’s space roundup!