From enabling global telecommunications, earth observation and navigation to improving resource management and environmental monitoring, satellites contribute to Sustainable Development Goals. But with over 36,000 large debris objects and around 1 million smaller pieces currently orbiting earth, collisions could disrupt satellite services, threatening efforts to close the digital divide.

The Kingdom sees three priorities:

Global partnerships make for safer Space

Saudi Arabia is an active partner in global efforts for a peaceful, sustainable future in Space. In collaboration with the Saudi Space Agency, CST hosted the first Space Debris Conference, with the ITU and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) as partners, to address research, policy and awareness. the Kingdom is active in ITU’s Space Sustainability Forum, which advances responsible practices and global dialogue on maintaining Space as a sustainable environment.

Saudi Arabia works with international partners to track and reduce Space debris. For example, with the World Economic Forum, Saudi Arabia unveiled the Center for Space Future to contribute to sustainable innovation. Building on ITU Resolutions that underscore Space sustainability, Saudi Arabia has captured its significant strides in the “Digital and Space Sustainability in Saudi Arabia” report.

Small business in Space

Saudi Arabia’s Space Entrepreneurship Alliance encourages innovative, sustainable entrepreneurship in the Kingdom. Its new SpaceUp Competition encourages global Space entrepreneurship among startups and SMEs, offering US$28 million in contract opportunities across six tracks to meet space challenges.