Arab News, Saturday, Jan 2, 2021 | Jamadi Al Awwal 19, 1442
Saudi Arabia counting down to unveil partnerships in space sector
Saudi Arabia: The Saudi Space Commission (SCC) is counting
down to announce a set of preparatory partnerships to help propel the Kingdom’s
role in the space sector, the agency’s chairman, Prince Sultan bin Salman, has
revealed.
Once an integrated project proposal has been completed, it will be submitted to
theSaudi government for approval and implementation, the Saudi Press Agency
reported.
The announcement was made during a signing ceremony between the commission and
the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority (LCGPA).
The prince said: “This agreement comes within the partnership and integration
methodology adopted between government agencies to enable the space sector to
fulfil the directives of King Salman to establish a space-linked integrated
industry, which has become a promising sector with economic contributions.”
The joint agreement will open new horizons for development in scientific
research andinnovation in the space industry, depending on local capabilities,
particularly youth.
The Kingdom was planning an SR8 billion ($2.13 billion) boost for its space
program as part of its Vision 2030 reform plan, Reuters reported in October.
The SSC was established by a royal decree in late 2018 to stimulate
space-related research and industrial activities and is led by Prince Sultan,
the first Saudi astronaut to travel to space.