Arab News
Arab News, Wed, Mar 12, 2025 | Ramadan 12, 1446
Saudi Arabia, South Korea sign deal to boost cooperation in space sector
Saudi Arabia:
The Saudi Space Agency has entered into a
new partnership with the Korean Aerospace Administration to boost cooperation in
the space sector.
A memorandum of understanding was signed at the
SSA’s headquarters in Riyadh, marking a significant step in strengthening
bilateral ties between Saudi Arabia and South Korea in space exploration and
technology development.
The agreement is in line with the Saudi Space
Agency’s broader mission to support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goal of becoming a
global leader in space exploration.
It also seeks to contribute to the nation’s
scientific and economic growth through innovation and technological advancements
in space.
The MoU comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s growing
commercial space sector, which is primarily driven by the private sector.
Over 250 companies are currently operating in the
country, emphasizing the strong involvement of the private sector. Additionally,
more than 20 government agencies regulate and support the industry, according to
recent findings by SpaceTech in Gulf.
Mohammed Al-Tamimi, CEO of the Saudi Space Agency,
emphasized that the agreement reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to
enhancing international cooperation in space.
He stated that the SSA values such global
partnerships, viewing them as essential for advancing technological capabilities
and growing the space economy. Al-Tamimi underscored that the MoU will foster
collaboration by integrating the expertise of both Saudi and Korean space
professionals.
The terms of the agreement outline key areas of
collaboration, including the development of deep space technologies, manned
flight programs, satellite launches, and payloads. The MoU also sets out to
strengthen capabilities in space sciences and engineering, facilitate the
exchange of knowledge, and enhance expertise in advanced space applications.
Moreover, the agreement seeks to advance space
research and technical development, while fostering an environment conducive to
investment in the space sector. This partnership is expected to contribute to
the growth of the space economy and improve the global standing of both Saudi
Arabia and South Korea.
In September, Al-Tamimi led the Saudi delegation
to the fifth G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil, where
he highlighted Saudi Arabia’s advancements in space exploration.
He also emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to
using space technology for sustainable development and climate change
mitigation. During the meeting, he participated in discussions on innovation,
entrepreneurship, and the role of space in addressing global challenges, further
showcasing the Saudi Space Agency’s efforts to improve infrastructure, attract
investment, and leverage space technology for sustainable progress.