MUST-READS

• HALO Space to Build Final Assembly Facilities in Saudi Arabia, Prepares for Test Flight

  “The decision to establish industrial capabilities like final assembly, testing facilities, a spaceport, and an immersive dome experience in Saudi Arabia reflects the Kingdom’s favourable business environment,” Mira said. “We believe Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to lead the near-space sector, and we’re excited to deepen our partnership as we push forward with our mission.”

• Saudi Arabia presents space advances at G20 meeting in Brazil

  Saudi Space Agency Vice Chairman and CEO Mohammed Al-Tamimi led the Saudi delegation at the fifth G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil, from Sept. 11 to 13. This year’s meeting, initiated during Saudi Arabia’s G20 presidency, focused on “Space Economy and Climate Change: Challenges and Opportunities.” Al-Tamimi highlighted Saudi Arabia’s advances in its space sector and the Kingdom’s commitment to using space technology for sustainable development and climate change mitigation.

• Saudi Space Agency Launches ‘Abaad’ Astrophotography Competition

  According to the release, the competition aims to encourage interest in astrophotography and increase scientific awareness of astronomy and space sciences, building a creative and productive community. Saudi Astronaut Ali AlQarni, supervisor of Abaad, emphasized the competition's role in advancing space education and inspiring a new generation of astronomers. "The Abaad competition also aligns perfectly with SSA's mission to enrich Arabic content in space sciences and foster a community passionate about exploring the cosmos," said AlQarni.

• Saudi Arabia to host Halo space balloon test flight

  Halo Space, a Spanish company developing a stratospheric balloon for tourists is to conduct its next test flight in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia this September. This test flight will be Halo Space’s sixth and use the company’s real-size prototype capsule, Aurora, which will ascend 30km above the Earth’s surface. The primary objective of the flight is to validate the integrated operation of all critical systems developed over the past three years.

• Halo Space Plans Next Test Flight in Saudi Arabia

  Halo Space, a space tourism firm, will reportedly conduct its next test flight in Saudi Arabia. The test, scheduled for September, will feature a life-size prototype capsule named Aurora. This flight will reach an altitude of 30 km above Earth. This will be Aurora’s sixth test flight, a collaboration with the Kingdom’s Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST). The test flight aims to validate all critical systems developed over the past three years. Alberto Castrillo, the chief technology officer at Halo Space, stated that the chosen dates and location ensure reliable equipment operation and safe conditions for ground teams.

• Airlines avoid some Mideast airspace, cancel Israel flights as tensions mount
  Airlines are avoiding Iranian and Lebanese airspace and cancelling flights to Israel and Lebanon, as concerns grow over a possible conflict in the region after the killing of senior members of militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah this week. Singapore Airlines (SIAL.SI), opens new tab stopped flying through Iranian airspace from early Friday morning and is using alternative routes, saying safety is its top priority, it told Reuters in a statement.

• NASA Signs US, Saudi Arabia Agreement for Civil Aeronautics, Space Collaboration

  The United States and Saudi Arabia signed a framework agreement that opens new possibilities for cooperation with NASA in areas such as space science, exploration, aeronautics, space operations, education, and Earth science. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson signed on behalf of the U.S., and CEO of the Saudi Space Agency Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi signed on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

• Saudi Arabia’s Neo Space Group Appoints Martijn Blanken as New CEO

  NSG is a wholly owned company of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the nation’s sovereign wealth fund. NSG will focus on pursuing strategic and commercially feasible space sector opportunities. It will also invest in the most promising new space technology startups and entrepreneurs both in Saudi Arabia and globally. NSG is fully aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and plans to create a global commercial space communications leader.

• Saudi startups take lead in MENA funding space

  Saudi Arabia’s startup ecosystem has affirmed its leading position in the funding space, capturing over 53 percent of the region’s venture debt financing in 2023, according to MAGNiTT’s latest report. The venture data platform revealed that Saudi startups raised a total of $400 million in venture debt last year, a 602 percent growth compared to $57 million in 2022.

• Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund launches new group to boost space industry

  The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, on Monday launched the Neo Space Group to work on the Kingdom’s satellite and space industry, its first investment in the sector.

  The Neo Space Group or NSG is the “PIF’s first investment focused on the space industry,” the sovereign wealth fund said in a statement.

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