Space

Saudi Arabia and Earth Observation Systems

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) was directed by its charter of 1986 to “propose a national policy for the development of science and technology and to devise the strategy and plans necessary to implement them.” In accordance with this charter, KACST launched a comprehensive effort in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Planning (MoEP), to develop a long-term national policy on science and technology. In July 2002, the Council of Ministers approved the national policy for science and technology, entitled “The Comprehensive, Long-Term, National Science and Technology Policy.”

The strategic plan for the development of space and aeronautical capabilities for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, over the 5 year period from 2008-2012 was led by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). This plan encompasses all R&D and industrialization aspects of these sectors, including civil but excluding military aviation. The strategic program is to be managed by a Space Program Management Office (SPMO) to be formed within KACST, along with a group of stakeholders consisting of critical engineering departments in the Kingdom’s universities, government units related to aviation and aeronautics, and members of the Kingdom’s industrial base.

The Saudi satellite program started in 1998. The Satellite Technology Center was established within Space Research Institute at KACST. The National Satellite Technology Program (NSTP) was establishmed of in 2007.

SaudiSat 1A &1B launched September 2000, later designated Saudi-Oscar 41 and 42 by AMSAT. The goal was to build Saudi human capital and the infrastructure needed for a commercial satellite program. SaudiSat 1C launched December 2002, transmitted live images via its on-board camera, later designated Saudi-Oscar 50. The first experimental earth observation satellite; SaudiSat 2 was launched June 2004.

The Saudi satellite program began commercial activities in 2004 with launch of Saudi-ComSat. The first Saudi remote sensing satellite; SaudiSat 3 launched 2007.

KACST formed a Space Program Management Office (SPMO) to oversee the activities and progress of the Kingdom’s strategic plan for space and aeronautics. The SPMO consists of a combination of personnel with technical and managerial expertise. Members of the SPMO were given specialized training courses to help with the successful implementation of the strategic plan. The SPMO had overall responsibility for all the projects and initiatives under the strategic plan and also serves to coordinate the efforts and communications of the stakeholders and relevant organizations. The SPMO (or its parent body) have sufficient legal powers to enter into collaborative agreements with international partners and agencies although private financing, shareholding, and associated contractual commitments shall be the responsibility of the private or joint venture companies. The SPMO will manage and control three aeronautical or aerospace groups to be established in the early phases in direct support of the plan at stakeholder universities.