The following are the major space developments in the Greater Middle East region tracked by Middle East Space Monitor over the past week:
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Türkiye Reportedly to Join China-Led International Lunar Research Station Initiative
Türkiye's recent application to join the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), led by China and Russia, marks a significant development in global space collaboration. Anatoly Petrukovich, director of the Russian Academy of Sciences' Space Research Institute, confirmed Türkiye's participation, highlighting its growing role in space exploration. This move reflects Türkiye's aspirations for technological advancement and scientific prowess, positioning it alongside other countries dedicated to lunar research. Russia has also extended invitations to other BRICS members to discuss potential cooperation in lunar exploration efforts. Plans for the ILRS include establishing a collaborative data processing centre and exploring the possibility of deploying a nuclear reactor on the Moon. China's ambitious timeline aims to construct the ILRS in stages, with an initial version targeted before 2028 and a fully functional Moon base envisioned by 2050. This initiative has garnered interest from various countries and organisations worldwide, emphasising the growing global interest and collaboration in lunar exploration.
Geopolitical Implications of Türkiye Joining China-Led International Lunar Research Station Initiative
Türkiye's potential inclusion in the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) alongside China and Russia signifies a significant shift in its space ambitions and geopolitical agenda, according to analysts. Reports indicate Türkiye's application to join the ILRS, an initiative aimed at establishing a Moon base by 2035, making it the first NATO member to do so. This move reflects Türkiye's growing interest in space exploration, bolstered by recent achievements such as astronaut Alper Gezeravci's trip to the International Space Station. Analysts suggest that Türkiye's involvement in the ILRS could benefit China by contributing budgetary and technological resources. Türkiye's burgeoning space programme, including plans for lunar exploration missions, underscores its commitment to space research and industrial development. Moreover, Ankara's pivot towards China and Russia aligns with its evolving foreign policy, characterised by strained relations with Western allies. If accepted into the ILRS, Türkiye would join a small group of countries participating in the China and Russia-led Moon base project, as part of an ongoing geopolitical realignment away from Western alliances.
Azerbaijan’s Azercosmos Receives Significant Funding Boost
A significant development has occurred regarding the legal framework governing the state space corporation of Azerbaijan, Azercosmos, with recent amendments made to its charter. Signed by Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov, these changes notably increased the authorised fund of Azercosmos from $173.9 million to $234.5 million. This adjustment signifies a substantial financial boost for Azercosmos, potentially enabling the agency to expand its operations, invest in new technologies, and further its contributions to the country's space industry. The decision underscores Azerbaijan's commitment to advancing its presence in the space sector and signals its recognition of the strategic importance of Azercosmos in driving national development initiatives and fostering innovation in space-related endeavours.
Azerbaijan’s Azercosmos Receives Insurance Payout for Azersky Earth Observation Satellite Loss
Azercosmos, Azerbaijan’s state space corporation, has received a substantial insurance payout of $26.5 million for its Earth observation satellite Azersky, which concluded its mission a year ahead of schedule. Despite challenges in processing the insurance claim, efficient collaboration with insurance companies, brokers, and relevant organisations facilitated the timely receipt of the payment. Azersky, which completed its mission in April 2023, generated significant revenue of $61.76 million and provided satellite images worth $88.24 million to various government entities and institutions. This economic impact highlights a 1.5-fold return on investment from the satellite. The insurance process was facilitated through PAŞA Sığorta OJSC, enabling Azercosmos to leverage its satellite assets effectively on the international market.
Azerbaijan’s Azercosmos Now Operating in Nagorno-Karabakh
The Azconnexus network expansion in Azerbaijan's Garabagh region (known by Armenians as Nagorno-Karabakh), as reported by Azernews and confirmed by Dunay Badirkhanov, deputy chairman of the board of Azercosmos, signifies the ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and digital services in remote and challenging terrains. Utilising the Azconnexus platform, internet and data services are made accessible across the satellite coverage area, particularly benefiting regions like Garabagh. Badirkhanov highlighted the implementation of over 100 projects, with a focus on digitising satellite services and leveraging satellite solutions. These initiatives, spanning sectors such as agriculture and environmental conservation, underscore the commitment to leveraging satellite technology for socio-economic development, with continued efforts anticipated in the future.
Israel’s Gilat Secures Multi-Million Dollar In-Flight Connectivity SATCOM Deal
Israel’s Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. has secured a significant multimillion-dollar order from a prominent In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) service provider, predominantly for its Taurus Aero modems, signaling an expansion of its IFC capabilities. Taurus Aero, renowned for its ultra-high performance, is already operational across numerous commercial airlines worldwide, offering robust satellite communication solutions for multi-orbit constellations and Very High Throughput Satellites (VHTS). This strategic move reflects the growing demand for reliable and high-performance connectivity solutions for air travelers. Amir Yafe, Gilat's VP of Mobility & Global Accounts, expressed gratitude for being chosen to enhance and upgrade mission-critical IFC services, highlighting the industry's trust in Gilat's advanced satellite communication offerings. The company remains committed to driving innovation and delivering superior IFC experiences to aviation customers globally.
Israel’s Gilat Receives Multi-Million Dollar Defence SATCOM Modem Deal from Unidentified Defence Agency
Israel’s Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd., renowned for its expertise in satellite networking technology, solutions, and services, has been granted a multimillion-dollar contract by a leading defence organisation for the development of a cutting-edge satellite-on-the-move (SOTM)/satellite-on-the-pause (SOTP) modem. This next-generation military modem is poised to redefine mission flexibility, offering rapid deployment and user-friendly operation while adhering to stringent specifications. With a focus on delivering high-speed satellite communications for both on-the-move and on-the-pause missions, the modem aims to ensure secure and highly reliable broadband C4I satellite communications, thereby enhancing battlefield information superiority for military personnel. Leveraging advanced technologies, the modem seeks to maximise link availability, optimise bandwidth utilisation, and enable high throughput in the most challenging field conditions. Ori Naor, RVP Defense at Gilat, emphasised the company's commitment to delivering innovative and mission-critical solutions that meet the evolving needs of defence agencies worldwide, reaffirming Gilat's position as a trusted partner in satellite communications.
Chair of the Israel Space Agency Highlights Cyber Risks to Satellites
During the Cybertech Global Tel Aviv conference in Israel, Prof. Dan Blumberg, VP for Regional and Industrial Development at Ben Gurion University and Chairman of the Israel Space Agency, highlighted the significant shift in accessibility to space over the past decade, attributing it to corporate acceleration and reduced costs of satellite launches. With over 8,000 operational satellites currently in orbit and ambitious plans by companies like SpaceX to deploy thousands more, the commercialisation of space is outpacing governance. This rapid expansion brings new opportunities across industries like automotive, energy, and agriculture, but also introduces heightened cybersecurity risks. Blumberg emphasised the necessity for agile cyber defence capabilities to counter evolving threats, stressing the need for collaboration among stakeholders to address the global challenges posed by the increasingly critical space domain.
Israeli Space Executives Express Confidence in Israel’s Space Industry
At Israel’s Sparks Innovation Summit, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) emphasised the country's strategic decision to pursue space independence, positioning IAI as the key implementer of this vision. With a focus on innovation, IAI's Space Division showcased its comprehensive capabilities, spanning satellite development, launch, ground operations, and testing. The culture of innovation is driven by necessity, customer requirements, and forward-looking predictions, such as the shift towards smaller, more cost-effective satellites. While government funding remains significant in the space industry, opportunities are burgeoning across various sectors, from healthcare to communication. Partnerships play a crucial role in providing insights and leveraging data effectively, particularly in fields like Earth observation and defence. Other industry experts highlighted the transformative potential of space research, including advancements in life sciences and the evolution of manufacturing processes in microgravity environments. With Elon Musk's Starship poised to revolutionise space launch costs, the industry anticipates exponential growth and innovation, with Israel well-positioned to capitalise on its strong academia, industry, and entrepreneurial spirit.
High Hopes for UAE’s Space42
Space42, a proposed AI-powered space technology company, is poised to solidify the UAE's position as a leader in the global space industry pending a shareholder vote scheduled for 25 April 2024. Managing director Karim Michel Sabbagh expressed confidence in the merger's progress, highlighting additional regulatory steps undertaken internationally. The merger, between Abu Dhabi-based Bayanat and satellite services company Yahsat, boasts combined revenues of $700 million and a net income of $173 million for 2023, according to a circular released by both entities. While the World Economic Forum projects significant growth in the global space economy, experts like Jay Zagorsky caution against overestimation and note potential risks in mergers, including cultural differences. However, the optimism surrounding the merger reflects broader enthusiasm for the space economy, with Anna Hazlett of AzurX and Ryan Brukardt underscoring its potential for innovation and economic growth. Sabbagh emphasised Space42's focus on AI-driven optimisation and continuous service delivery, leveraging geospatial intelligence and satellite communication capabilities. The merger aims to not only drive business growth but also position the UAE as a hub for space innovation with global implications.
Saudi Arabia’s Air Force to be Renamed Royal Saudi Air & Space Force this Year
Saudi Arabia’s Royal Saudi Air Force is planned to be renamed the Royal Saudi Air & Space Force, changing it into a unified organisation aiming to bolster its space-based defence capabilities, according to sources speaking to U.S. defence online news platform Breaking Defense. The merger, expected to occur sometime this year, underscores the Kingdom's strategic vision to harness space for deterrence and national security. While initial steps have been taken, such as the formation of the Saudi Space Agency and the launch of the first Saudi mission to the International Space Station, experts suggest that Saudi Arabia's space ambitions are still nascent and will require substantial development over the coming years. Collaborations with the United States, including participation in the Artemis Accords and engagement with U.S. advisors, highlight Saudi Arabia's commitment to advancing its space agenda. However, challenges remain in terms of organisational structure and operational readiness, with experts cautioning that significant progress may take until at least 2025. The recent unrest in the region has underscored the importance of space-enabled applications for regional security, further motivating Saudi Arabia's efforts to expand its space capabilities to address emerging challenges effectively.
Resellers in UAE, Other Countries Provide Black Market Starlink Receivers to Paramilitary Groups in Sudan
A recent investigation by The Wall Street Journal has revealed that SpaceX's Starlink internet satellite dishes are being sold to Russian military and paramilitary groups in Sudan through third-party dealers in countries such as the UAE and platforms like eBay, despite potential legal and ethical concerns. Despite Russian officials threatening retaliation against Starlink's satellites, Russian troops are reportedly utilising the service, with a shadowy supply chain facilitating their access to the hardware. The investigation uncovered instances of Russian e-commerce sites selling Starlink devices, while middlemen are acquiring the hardware through eBay or black-market channels. In Sudan, where Starlink is illegal, the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces has reportedly procured hundreds of Starlink devices, bypassing regulatory restrictions. Ukraine, working with SpaceX and U.S. officials, is seeking measures to prevent Russian forces from utilising Starlink, including enforcing device registration. Starlink's policies prohibit the sale or transfer of accounts, but unauthorised usage persists, raising questions about enforcement mechanisms and ethical implications.
Spain’s Halo Space to Test Space Tourism Balloon Capsule from Saudi Arabia this Summer
Spanish space tourism company Halo Space is set to test a balloon flight into space this summer from Saudi Arabia, with plans to offer luxurious passenger flights starting from 2026, priced at $164,000 each. The uncrewed test aims to provide passengers with an unforgettable experience of witnessing a sunrise from high above Earth's atmosphere. With Saudi Arabia being one of four proposed commercial launch sites, the company is in discussions with local regulators to establish a base in the Kingdom to cater to wealthy Gulf space tourists. The capsule, named Aurora, will accommodate eight passengers and a pilot, offering a high-end commercial plane atmosphere with tailored menus and panoramic windows. Halo's ambitious plan targets 100 flights annually by 2030, with safety assurances and regulatory compliance being key priorities. As the space tourism industry continues to evolve, such initiatives represent a significant step towards democratising access to space experiences while emphasising safety, comfort, and exclusivity for discerning travelers.
Bahrain’s NSSA and YBA Kanoo Group Part of Consortium to Receive UK Space Agency Funding
The UK Space Agency's International Bilateral Fund (IBF) has allocated £13 million to support collaborative projects aimed at advancing the United Kingdom’s space sector in partnership with international counterparts. These projects, announced during the 39th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, United States, reflect the UK's commitment to fostering global partnerships and innovation in space technology. Phase 2 funding builds on the success of Phase 1, which supported 32 projects, and demonstrates the UK's ambition to leverage global talent and catalyze investment into its space industry. Among the recipients of IBF Phase 2 funding is the consortium that comprises the UK’s University of Leicester and Geospatial Insight Ltd., Bahrain’s National Space Science Authority (NSSA), and YBA Kanoo Group in Bahrain, which received £1,400,000 to develop a new capability to enable monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions in the Gulf region from a small spacecraft. The project will evolve the state of the art in sensing for compact and targeted deployments.
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UAE and the United States Celebrate Ten Years of Space Cooperation
In The Washington Diplomat, Karin Zeitvogel writes that the UAE has made remarkable strides in its space programme over the past decade, achieving several significant milestones with the support of its partnership with the United States. Celebrating this collaboration, Emirati and U.S. officials highlighted the achievements, including establishing the Arab world's first astronaut programme, launching satellites, sending astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS), and becoming the first Arab country to reach Mars. Recently, Emirati astronauts graduated from training at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, demonstrating the depth of cooperation between the two countries. Emphasising the transformative nature of their joint efforts, the UAE ambassador to the United States underscored the shared commitment to exploration and innovation. UAE's involvement in space, exemplified by initiatives like supporting NASA's Gateway lunar space station and signing the Artemis Accords, reflects its dedication to peaceful and sustainable space exploration. With ongoing cooperation, the UAE-U.S. partnership in space endeavours continues to strengthen, reflecting boundless ambitions and a commitment to advancing human understanding beyond the confines of Earth.
Regional Entrepreneur Argues GCC Countries Stand to Benefit from Space-Based Solar Power
In Arab News, entrepreneur Khaled Abou Zahr writes that Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries stand at the forefront of potential advancements in space-based solar power, transitioning from science fiction to tangible reality. With Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman already outlining ambitious space plans, the GCC has a historic opportunity to lead in renewable energy and space commercialisation. Two primary methods proposed for harnessing solar energy from space include space-based solar power, utilising satellites equipped with photovoltaic panels to transmit energy to Earth, and direct sun reflection, employing a constellation of mirrors in space to reflect sunlight onto solar farms. While both methods present technical challenges, they offer immense potential for clean and inexhaustible energy production. The GCC's involvement in this endeavour aligns with its energy leadership and geographical advantage of abundant sunlight. As global interest and collaboration in space exploration grow, the GCC's unity in embracing these innovative technologies could pave the way for a sustainable energy future.
UAE and Saudi Arabia Embark on Fraternal ‘Space Race’
In World Politics Review, British journalist Jonathan Fenton-Harvey writes that Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are embarking on an ambitious journey into space, driven by economic diversification and national pride. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are strategically investing in space programmes to bolster their global prestige and soft power, fostering competitive rivalry within the region. While the UAE has taken early steps to position itself as a leader in space exploration, launching missions to Mars and forming partnerships with NASA, Saudi Arabia is catching up, aiming to leverage its Vision 2030 agenda to transform its economy through space exploration and technology. The GCC's collective pursuit of space ventures extends beyond national boundaries, involving collaborations with major spacefaring nations like the United States, China, and Russia. By joining initiatives like the Artemis Accords and forging partnerships with diverse international stakeholders, the GCC states are positioning themselves as significant players in the evolving landscape of space exploration and diplomacy. As they navigate the complexities of global space governance and technological cooperation, the GCC's foray into space represents not just a quest for economic diversification, but also a strategic manoeuvre to assert their geopolitical influence and redefine their roles in the international arena.
With Middle East Countries Joining BRICS, Calls Grow for Joint Space Exploration
TV BRICS notes that 12 April 1961 marks a pivotal moment in human history as Yuri Gagarin's historic spaceflight divided the chronicles of humankind into eras. Since then, countries worldwide have embarked on ambitious space programmes, fostering cooperation and joint projects. Russia, historically recognised for its space prowess, has achieved numerous milestones, including pioneering satellite launches and the co-establishment of the International Space Station with the United States. Other BRICS countries have also made significant strides: India's ISRO aims for crewed missions by 2025 and a space station by 2035; China, with its CSS project, is poised for Mars and lunar exploration; Brazil, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have all entered the space domain, with various achievements ranging from satellite launches to crewed missions. BRICS cooperation in space, evident in agreements for data exchange and joint research proposals, holds promise for advancing exploration and scientific collaboration. Initiatives such as creating a lunar research station and forming a joint space research association reflect the ambition to harness collective expertise and resources for monumental space endeavours. As BRICS countries deepen their scientific and technological cooperation, particularly in space exploration, the trajectory towards realising grand space ambitions appears increasingly promising, laying the groundwork for significant advancements in the global space industry.
Astronaut Anousheh Ansari Profiled in The New Arab
In The New Arab, Isabella Silvers profiles Anousheh Ansari, the Iranian-born astronaut. Anousheh Ansari's journey from curious child to groundbreaking entrepreneur and CEO exemplifies resilience and determination. Despite the lack of a space programme in Iran, Ansari pursued her dream of space exploration, driven by a lifelong fascination with the cosmos. Overcoming barriers as one of the few women in telecommunications and engineering, she returned to school at 37 to study astronomy, ultimately becoming the first Iranian, Muslim woman, and female space tourist. Her historic spaceflight in 2006, while politically charged, carried a unifying message as she sought to highlight the human face of Iran and foster global unity. Through her blogs from space and advocacy for young women in STEM, Ansari continues to inspire others to pursue their dreams. Transitioning to her role as CEO of XPrize, she aims to address pressing global challenges, fostering innovation for the benefit of humanity. Ansari's journey underscores the power of determination and innovation in shaping a brighter future for all.
Be sure to catch up with space activities in the region in the next edition of Middle East Space Monitor’s space roundup!
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