Middle East Space Roundup: 21 to 27 April 2025
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:
Egypt’s 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference
Egypt Hosts 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference From 21 to 24 April 2025
The 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference, held from 21 to 24 April 2025 in Cairo's Egypt Space City, convened over 550 delegates from 65 countries, marking a pivotal moment in Africa's space sector. Organized by Space in Africa in collaboration with the African Space Agency (AfSA) and hosted by the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA), the event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and exhibitions, emphasizing the theme "Empowering Africa’s Economy Through Space-Driven Innovation." A significant highlight was the official inauguration of AfSA, underscoring Africa's commitment to advancing its space capabilities. Discussions focused on policy development, technological advancements, and investment opportunities, with particular attention to the role of satellite technologies in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure. The conference also facilitated the launch of the Africa-EU Space Programme, a €100 million initiative aimed at enhancing collaboration between the continents in areas such as Earth observation and satellite navigation. Overall, the conference reinforced Africa's strategic position in the global space ecosystem and its dedication to leveraging space technologies for socioeconomic development.
Egypt and the UAE Sign Comprehensive MoU for Space Cooperation
The UAE Space Agency and Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA) signed a comprehensive MoU at the 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference, strengthening Arab space collaboration through knowledge exchange, capacity building, and joint technological innovation. This partnership leverages Egypt’s expanding infrastructure and the UAE’s advanced capabilities to accelerate regional space development, advance policy harmonization, and position both countries as leaders in shaping a more autonomous and influential Arab presence in the global space economy.
Egypt Hosts Meeting of the Arab Space Cooperation Group
The Egyptian Space Agency hosted a pivotal meeting of the Arab Space Cooperation Group (ASCG) during the NewSpace Africa 2025 Conference, where Dr. Sherif Sedky welcomed leaders of Arab space agencies to discuss enhancing regional collaboration in space sciences and technologies. The agenda included updates from member states, a review of the 2025 roadmap, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the space agencies of Egypt and the UAE to deepen peaceful space cooperation. The meeting concluded with recommendations aimed at advancing Arab space initiatives, promoting sustainable development, and boosting global competitiveness.
Egyptian Space Agency and Japan’s Solafune Sign MoU for AI-Enabled Environmental Monitoring
Japan’s Solafune Inc. and the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA) signed a strategic MoU during the 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference in Cairo to advance space-based innovation and environmental monitoring in Africa. The partnership will apply Solafune’s AI-driven satellite data solutions to support sustainable development in sectors like agriculture, mining, and environmental management, reinforcing Egypt’s leadership in regional space collaboration and highlighting the growing role of international cooperation in leveraging space technology for socioeconomic resilience.
Egypt’s Nilesat Signs MoU With RASCOM for African SATCOM Infrastructure
At the 2025 NewSpace Africa Conference, RASCOM and Egypt’s Nilesat signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Marketing Services Agreement to strengthen African satellite infrastructure, expand digital connectivity, and enhance service delivery across the continent. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to leveraging space technology for regional development, positioning both organisations as key drivers of innovation and strategic growth in Africa’s communications sector.
Azerbaijan Hosts Space Technology Conference 2025
Azerbaijan’s Azercosmos Hosts Space Technology Conference 2025
Azerbaijan’s Space Technology Conference 2025 (STC2025), opened in Baku and hosted by Azercosmos, marks a major milestone in advancing international collaboration in the space sector. Gathering over 420 participants from more than 40 countries, including space agency leaders, government officials, and private sector innovators, the event features over 200 bilateral meetings, 50 speaker sessions, and eight thematic discussions. STC2025 positions Azerbaijan as an emerging regional hub for space innovation and diplomacy, building on its growing profile established through events like the 2023 International Astronautical Congress and the upcoming Space Leaders’ Summit at COP29. Azercosmos’ efforts signal Azerbaijan’s strategic ambition to integrate more deeply into the global space economy and policy frameworks.
Azerbaijan’s Azercosmos Partners With China’s STAR.VISION for Caspian Sea Earth Observation Project
Azerbaijan’s Azercosmos and China’s STAR.VISION have launched a joint research project, supported by Ningbo University, to study the impact of climate change on the Caspian Sea using artificial intelligence and remote sensing technologies. The project focuses on analyzing two decades of environmental data, including water level changes, coastal erosion, and ecosystem disturbances. This collaboration highlights the strengthening Azerbaijan-China partnership in applying advanced space, AI, and Earth observation technologies to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development initiatives.
Among the other highlights at the Space Technology Conference 2025 were the following:
Azercosmos Hosts 4th Annual Meeting of Turkic States' Space Agencies:
Azercosmos hosted the 4th Meeting of Turkic States' Space Agencies in Baku, advancing joint initiatives such as CubeSat projects, standardized space law frameworks, and digital space education.Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan Sign MoU on Satellite Cooperation:
Azercosmos and Uzbekistan's Digital Development Ministry signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance bilateral cooperation in satellite communications, Earth observation, and technological capacity-building.Common Legal Norms for Space Activities Proposed Among Turkic States:
Azerbaijan proposed harmonizing space legislation across OTS member states to facilitate coordinated space missions and ensure responsible use of space resources, reflecting a growing trend toward legal and institutional integration in regional space activities.Azerbaijan Explores Israeli Satellite Technology for Enhanced Communications: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) presented its Mini Communication Satellite (MCS) project, highlighting its potential to bolster Azerbaijan's satellite communication capabilities.
Azerbaijan’s Azercosmos and Türkiye’s Türksat advanced their space collaboration by signing a major satellite cooperation MoU marking a strategic step to bolster regional capabilities in space science, technology, and joint satellite missions.
Azercosmos announced plans to launch next-generation satellite systems featuring advanced Earth observation and telecommunications capabilities, aiming to enhance regional connectivity and foster international collaborations, particularly with Türkiye and other partners.
Azerbaijan expanded its space cooperation by signing three international agreements: with Hungary's 4iG Space and Defence Technologies for small satellite development and joint Earth observation projects; with Uzbekistan's Uz-Sat to exchange expertise in space technologies; and with Türkiye's TÜBİTAK to collaborate on satellite development and Earth observation initiatives, strengthening regional space partnerships.
China Invites Azerbaijan to Join Lunar Research Initiative: China has extended an invitation to Azerbaijan to participate in its International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project, aiming to foster international cooperation in lunar exploration and infrastructure development.
Türkiye's Lunar Ambitions: Türkiye has announced plans to achieve a hard landing on the Moon by the end of 2026 as part of its National Space Program.
Azerbaijan-China Space Cooperation: Azerbaijan and China have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the peaceful use of outer space, aiming to enhance bilateral cooperation in space technology and exploration.
Iran Space Developments
Report: Iran’s Military Space Capabilities Advance With Potential Counterspace Applications
U.S. think-tank the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) has released its annual Space Threats Assessment 2025 report and notes that since early 2024, Iran has significantly advanced its space launch capabilities, successfully conducting multiple satellite launches from domestic sites, including placing three satellites into orbit in December 2024, one of which—Saman-1—was reportedly a space tug capable of repositioning satellites, a development with potential counterspace military applications. In parallel, Russia launched two Iranian remote sensing satellites, Kowsar and Hodhod, described as the first operated by Iran’s private sector, further deepening Iran-Russia space cooperation following previous joint missions like the Khayyam satellite launch in 2022. Alongside its growing orbital presence, Iran has intensified its cyber operations against aerospace and satellite sectors, with cybersecurity firms reporting throughout 2024 that Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-linked groups have targeted aerospace, defense, satellite, and communications infrastructure across the Middle East and beyond, employing espionage and social engineering tactics to support Iran’s strategic intelligence objectives.
Iran to Use Optical and SAR Satellite Imagery for Detecting Oil Pollution
Iran is advancing its environmental monitoring capabilities by integrating satellite and radar imagery to detect oil pollution, oversee energy infrastructure, and assess ecologically sensitive regions. This initiative, stemming from a collaboration between the Iranian Space Research Center and the Research Institute of Petroleum Industry, also emphasizes the development of AI-driven data analysis tools and the exploration of aerial platforms like balloons and airships for surveillance. The partnership aims to establish a comprehensive roadmap and pilot projects to enhance Iran's environmental oversight and technological proficiency.
Israel Space News
Report: Israel’s Missile Defense Contributes to a Latent ASAT Capability
U.S. think-tank the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) has released its annual Space Threats Assessment 2025 report and notes that in 2024, Israel significantly expanded its use of GPS jamming and spoofing across the eastern Mediterranean—including Syria, Lebanon, parts of Egypt, and its own territory—as a defensive measure against missile and drone threats from Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, particularly around April when Iranian retaliation was anticipated following an Israeli airstrike. Simultaneously, Israel continues to advance its directed-energy missile defense systems, such as Iron Beam, which, although not explicitly intended for counterspace operations, contribute to a latent anti-satellite capability when combined with Israel’s expertise in satellite detection and tracking. Notably, Israel likely demonstrated advanced exoatmospheric missile interception capabilities in November 2024 by successfully shooting down a Houthi ballistic missile.
Report: Israel Shows Interest in Oman’s Etlaq Spaceport in Duqm
Recent satellite imagery captured by Israeli OSINT firm ImageSat International (ISI) using its Eros Earth observation satellites has revealed detailed monitoring of Oman’s Etlaq Spaceport under construction near Duqm, underscoring its growing strategic significance in regional and international space affairs, according to Intelligence Online. The precision imaging, reportedly commissioned by a state client—likely the Israeli Defense Forces—reflects heightened interest in the equatorial launch site, which offers geopolitical advantages for space and missile launches from a stable regional environment. While Israel may see Etlaq as a potential launch alternative constrained by its geography, the site is also drawing strong interest from other global powers including the U.S., U.K., Saudi Arabia, and Spain, each supporting or planning launch capabilities there. Most notably, Oman’s deepening collaboration with China—evident in the joint launch of the OL-1 Earth observation satellite and the Chinese-built local ground segment—indicates a shift toward autonomous space capabilities while minimizing foreign operational dependencies. The concurrent development of a major industrial zone near Duqm by the China-linked Oman Wanfang consortium further cements the area’s role as a regional hub for space and high-tech industrial infrastructure.
High-Resolution Satellite Imagery of Sensitive Sites in Israel Now Widely Available
The recent availability of high-resolution satellite images—reaching 0.4 meters—of sensitive military sites in Israel, including the Dimona Nuclear Research Center, through Google and Apple map services reflects a major shift in global satellite imaging capabilities and regulatory frameworks. Driven by the rise of non-U.S. commercial providers and the relaxation of restrictions under the Kyl-Bingaman Amendment, satellite imagery that was once tightly controlled is now widely accessible, turning commercial mapping platforms into potent open-source intelligence tools. Despite the strategic risks, including imagery of IDF units and air operations becoming public, the Israeli government appears to have little control over this development and has opted for a non-interventionist stance, highlighting broader challenges for national security in an era of democratized geospatial data.
Israel’s Gilat Announces $15 Million in Orders from Global SATCOM Operators
Israel’s Gilat Satellite Networks announced more than $15 million in new orders from major global satellite operators, reflecting ongoing demand for its ground network solutions supporting satellite communications.
Saudi Arabia Space Developments
Saudi Arabia and India Sign Space Cooperation MoU
The Saudi Space Agency (SSA) and India’s Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have formalized a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in peaceful space activities, marking a major step in Saudi-Indian strategic collaboration. Signed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia, the agreement targets joint advancement in satellite capacity, space sciences, research, and entrepreneurship, aiming to boost both countries' global standing in the space sector. Saudi officials emphasized that the partnership will foster innovation, support economic diversification, and contribute to sustainable development, positioning space technology as a key pillar in broader national growth strategies.
Saudi Arabia Ranks First in the Middle East for Geospatial Infrastructure
Saudi Arabia has ascended to ninth place globally in the 2025 Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure (GKI) Readiness Index, a significant leap from its 32nd position in 2022. This advancement underscores the Kingdom's strategic investments in spatial sciences and geospatial infrastructure, positioning it first in the Middle East and sixth among G20 countries. The GKI Readiness Index, developed by Geospatial World with support from the UN Statistics Division, evaluates countries' preparedness to adopt geospatial knowledge, highlighting its role in driving economic growth, sustainable development, and digital transformation.
Saudi Arabia’s Neo Space Group Appoints Shorog Al Qurashi as Secretary-General of Board of Directors
Neo Space Group (NSG), Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial space services provider, appointed Shorog Al Qurashi as secretary-general of the board of directors, strengthening its governance framework as it advances strategic ambitions in the space sector.
Syria Space News
Syria’s Al-Ekhbariya TV Channel Selects Qatar’s Es’hailsat
The Syrian General Organization for Radio and Television has signed a contract with Qatar’s Es’hailSat to broadcast Syria’s al-Ekhbariya channel in high quality, marking a significant move to enhance Syria’s media outreach. This agreement reflects broader efforts by Syria to modernize its broadcasting capabilities and expand its presence in regional satellite communications networks.
Syria and Türkiye Discuss Technical and Engineering Details for Satellite Internet
Syrian and Turkish officials met in Damascus to discuss enhancing technical and engineering services, focusing on satellite internet deployment. Led by Syria’s Minister of Communications and Technology Abdul Salam Haykal and Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu, the talks emphasized improving internet quality, expanding coverage, and integrating satellite connectivity to support Syria’s digital infrastructure and regional cooperation efforts.
Türkiye Space Developments
President Erdoğan Hails Türksat-6A Start of Operations
Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hailed the entry into service of Türksat-6A, the country’s first domestically produced communications satellite, calling it a milestone for national space capabilities and technological independence.
Türkiye Formally Launches National Satellite Production Ecosystem
Türkiye has formally launched a national satellite production ecosystem aimed at bolstering local manufacturing capabilities, supply chains, and global competitiveness in space and satellite technology sectors.
Türksat to Provide Inflight Internet for Turkish Airlines and AJet
Turkish Airlines and its low-cost subsidiary, AJet, are set to introduce in-flight internet services powered by Türksat's satellite technology. The rollout will commence with AJet flights later this year, eventually encompassing the entire Turkish Airlines fleet. This development follows the deployment of Türksat-6A, Türkiye's first domestically produced communications satellite, marking a significant milestone in the nation's aerospace endeavors.
Türkiye’s Türksat Unveils New Satellite-Enabled Maritime Domain Awareness System
Türkiye's state-owned satellite operator, Türksat, has enhanced maritime security through its domestically developed Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system. Compliant with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards, the system provides real-time tracking of Turkish-flagged vessels globally and monitors maritime traffic within a 1,000-nautical-mile radius. By integrating national software and hardware, the LRIT system bolsters Türkiye's maritime domain awareness, aiding in the prevention of accidents, smuggling, and marine pollution.
UAE Space News
UAE and France Hold Talks on Military Space, Satellite Reconnaissance Capabilities
The UAE and France signed an artificial intelligence (AI) cooperation agreement during UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed’s visit to Paris, signaling a potential prelude to broader defense collaboration between the two countries, according to Tactical Report. Reports indicate that this cooperation will encompass the transfer and localization of aerospace and military space technologies, including unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), advanced fighter jets, military reconnaissance satellites, laser weapon systems, electromagnetic warfare tools, and command and control systems. The UAE is also exploring acquisition of submarine manufacturing technologies and AI-driven underwater threat detection systems. Talks, led by senior UAE Ministry of Defense officials and involving EDGE Group for technology projects, began earlier this year, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s cautious but strategic approach to deepening its long-standing and expanding partnership with France in defense and security sectors.
UAE’s Burjeel Hospital Partners With Axiom Space for Space-Based Diabetes Experiment
A UAE-led medical study, jointly conducted by Abu Dhabi’s Burjeel Hospital and Axiom Space, will be launched aboard Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) on 29 May 2025 via SpaceX, aiming to explore how microgravity impacts insulin regulation and glucose metabolism. The research will use continuous glucose monitors on astronauts during their 14-day mission to assess the performance of monitoring devices in orbit and study insulin’s stability in space, with potential applications for both spaceflight eligibility for insulin-dependent astronauts and diabetes management technologies on Earth. Insights from the study could lead to breakthroughs in predicting insulin needs, designing advanced glucose monitoring systems, and developing treatments that mimic the benefits of exercise—critical advancements as global diabetes rates are projected to rise sharply, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa.
India’s Space Startups Look to UAE’s Dubai to Access Global Markets
India’s private space technology sector, led by startups like Skyroot, Pixxel, and Agnikul, is increasingly targeting global expansion, with Dubai in the UAE emerging as a key destination due to its dynamic space ecosystem, strategic Space Economic Zone Program, and supportive infrastructure. Backed by the UAE’s National Space Strategy 2030 and initiatives like the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), Dubai offers Indian space companies 100% foreign ownership, streamlined setup processes, access to funding, and opportunities for partnerships in satellite technology, deep-space exploration, and advanced materials development. With its geographic proximity, cultural alignment, and strong government backing for space innovation, Dubai presents Indian startups with a gateway to international markets, collaborative research, and accelerated technological advancement, reinforcing bilateral space ties between India and the UAE and offering a strategic first-mover advantage in the rapidly expanding global space economy.
UAE’s Dubai Municipality Joins International GNSS Service
Dubai Municipality has become the first government entity in the UAE to join the International GNSS Service (IGS), enhancing its access to high-precision global positioning data. This move reflects the Municipality's commitment to advancing its geospatial capabilities and aligns with Dubai's broader strategy to integrate cutting-edge technologies into urban planning and infrastructure development.
UAE’s National Center for Meteorology Hosts China Counterparts
The UAE’s National Center for Meteorology hosted a delegation from China’s Meteorological Authority, discussing enhanced cooperation on satellite-based weather monitoring and climate science initiatives.
Other Regional Space Developments
Payloads Built by Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, and Türkiye Selected for China’s Chang’e-8 Lunar Mission
China’s Chang’e-8 lunar south pole mission, set for 2028–2029, has selected international payloads from a wide range of countries, highlighting expanding space diplomacy under the China-led International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) initiative. Bahrain and Egypt will participate through a joint visible and infrared imaging system for lunar surface observation, underscoring growing Arab engagement with China's lunar projects. Iran’s contribution comes via a lunar potential monitor, reflecting Tehran’s deepening ties to China's space ecosystem through the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO). Türkiye, meanwhile, will collaborate by providing intelligent exploration micro-rovers developed by Middle East Technical University in partnership with Chinese entities. These collaborations reflect China's strategy to attract countries like Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, and Türkiye into its ILRS framework as geopolitical alternatives to the U.S.-led Artemis Accords, signaling a shift in global space alliances.
Armenia Aims to Acquire Additional Earth Observation and Communication Satellites
Armenia’s Minister of High-Tech Industry, Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, outlined plans to expand the country's nascent space sector following the launch of ArmSat-1 in 2022, emphasizing that the satellite’s primary value lies in building national expertise. Armenia aims to pursue additional Earth observation and communication satellites while finalizing a broader national space strategy to strengthen its technological infrastructure and sovereignty. Hayrapetyan also highlighted the transformative role of Starlink’s arrival in Armenia, enhancing communication resilience especially in remote areas, while the Ministry’s budget more than doubled for 2025 to drive innovation-led economic growth, positioning advanced technologies as central to Armenia’s future development model.
Space Chiefs From Egypt and the UAE to Participate in BRICS Space Summit in Brazil
From 27 to 29 April 2025, Brazil will host a meeting of heads of BRICS space agencies, including representatives from Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, and the UAE. The gathering aims to discuss joint initiatives in space exploration and technology, fostering collaboration among member countries to enhance their collective capabilities in the space sector.
Morocco’s Somaya Bennani Pushes for Diversity in the Space Sector
Somaya Bennani, an aerospace engineer and analog astronaut from Morocco, is championing diversity within the space sector. Her involvement in missions like Asclepios II and her advocacy efforts aim to inspire underrepresented groups to pursue careers in space. Bennani's journey underscores the importance of inclusivity and representation in shaping the future of space exploration.
Opinion: U.S. Must Deepen Space Engagement With Saudi Arabia and UAE to Counter Chinese and Russian Influence
Writing for the Atlantic Council, Isabella Torre argues the UAE and Saudi Arabia are rapidly advancing their space sectors to secure economic resilience, global prestige, and geopolitical influence, actively partnering with the United States, Russia, and China. While both Gulf states have made impressive strides—particularly the UAE with projects like the Hope Probe and contributions to NASA’s Gateway program—they seek broader global engagement, balancing relationships between Eastern and Western powers. The U.S. has built strong foundations through initiatives like the Artemis Accords and private-sector collaborations but must deepen its efforts to maintain influence, given Russia and China's increasing competition for Gulf partnerships in space. Joint public-private cooperation, expanded astronaut training, shared missions, and strengthened research collaborations are critical to preventing Moscow and Beijing from expanding their footprint in the region’s burgeoning space economy. For Washington, the stakes are not just about space leadership but about sustaining strategic, technological, and diplomatic influence in a rapidly multipolar world.
Other Regional Space News in Brief
Bahrain and Japan held their 7th Political Consultation in Manama, where space cooperation was discussed;
Türkiye’s Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek met with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington, DC, where Turkish-U.S. space cooperation was discussed.
Be sure to catch up with space activities in the region in the next edition of Middle East Space Monitor’s space roundup!