Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia in talks over plans for next-generation space stations

Saudi Arabia is in talks with other nations over plans for the next generation of space stations, which could one day serve as floating hotels among the stars.

Mohammed bin Saud Al Tamimi, governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, said he sees space commodities as a “huge opportunity”.

He was speaking remotely on the first day of the Abu Dhabi Space Debate, a major conference that addressed the new geopolitics of space and emerging trends.

Mr Al Tamimi said that the Kingdom would be announcing its national space strategy early next year.

“We’ve heard lots of initiatives from the private sector, not only from a scientific point of view, we also hear about commercialisation of space station,” he said. “We hear lots of announcements by multiple companies regarding space tourism and building a hotel as a space station, becoming like a commodity. For me, I see there is a huge opportunity. This is the right time in history of space where we can see real commercialisation of space.” “And also there’s more collaboration and active discussions right now between us in Saudi Arabia and other countries when it comes to building a new model for space stations.”

Companies such as Blue Origin, Nanoracks and Axiom Space have announced plans to build a station in low-Earth orbit. These structures would be open to tourists, researchers and government astronauts.

Commercialisation of low-Earth orbit is gaining momentum, as the International Space Station – a science laboratory operated by different space agencies – nears retirement. And as Saudi Arabia tries to revive its space programme, the Kingdom is hoping to tap into these new opportunities.

Comments

Source
The National
Back to top button