The Saudi Space Agency and NorthStar Earth & Space Partner on Space Situational Awareness to Enhance Space Sustainability

Collaboration focuses on the development of the Kingdom’s space industry to address immediate challenges to preserve the space environment.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 12^th, 2024 – NorthStar Earth & Space Inc. (“NorthStar”), a first-in-class leader in the delivery of commercial space-based Space Situational Awareness (SSA) services to enhance space sustainability and security, and the Saudi Space Agency, a governmental entity aiming to enhance the Kingdom’s position to be a leading regional and international centre in the field of space science and technology, today announced the signing of a  strategic agreement to advance the global reach of Space Situational Awareness capabilities to the Middle East, improve resident space object tracking, and further opportunities in the sector to include Saudi Space Agency.

The partnership was formalised by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Tamimi, CEO of the Saudi Space Agency and Mr. Stewart Bain, CEO of NorthStar at the Space Debris Conference in Riyadh.

The partnership supports the growth of Saudi Arabia’s space industry and will explore opportunities for the realization of a Centre of Excellence for Space Situational Awareness in the Kingdom. Focus will be directed towards sustainability of the space environment using state-of-the-art object tracking systems, including sensing technologies such as optical, radar, and radio frequency systems together with advanced data analytics. Attention will be also given to possible collaboration in the manufacturing of satellites to enhance Space Situational Awareness and Space Traffic Management.

Further, NorthStar will explore the potential for a business presence in Saudi Arabia to expand their global services, localize the development of advanced space technologies, and strengthen synergies with local universities and research centres.

“Collaboration with emerging space nations that have prioritized sustainability is a priority for NorthStar”, said Stewart Bain. “After our successful launch of the world’s first commercial space based SSA constellation, Saudi Arabia presents an excellent opportunity for NorthStar to rapidly expand its international presence in this region.”