Saudi Space Agency (SSA) + King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) · Riyadh (KACST HQ) + future Red Sea coast site (NEOM region candidate), Saudi Arabia
Launch Pads
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Annual Launches
0 (planned)
Max Payload (LEO)
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Established
2018
Saudi Arabia announced a $40B+ national space sector investment plan in 2024 covering satellite manufacturing, ground stations, and a future domestic launch capability. The Saudi Space Agency (SSA, established 2018) and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) lead the initiative, with the Red Sea coast and the NEOM megaproject region under consideration as candidate spaceport sites for their near-equatorial latitude and clear eastward overwater azimuth. Strategic partnerships with China's CASC and discussions with Russia's Roscosmos have been reported, alongside Western commercial cooperation through Axiom Space (which carried two Saudi astronauts to the ISS on Axiom-2 in May 2023).
| Region | Middle East |
| Country | 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia |
| Coordinates | 24.7136° N, 46.6753° E |
| Ownership | Government |
| Parent Entity | Saudi Space Agency (SSA) + KACST |
| Regulatory Regime | Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) civil licensing (established 2024) |
| Latitude Advantage | Red Sea coast candidate sites at ~22-27°N would offer modest GEO bonus vs. mid-latitude sites; not equatorial-class |
| Website | https://saudispace.gov.sa/ |
Active Users
Strategic Value
Sovereign launch capability is a Vision 2030 signal of regional technology leadership and geostrategic positioning. Long-horizon investor opportunity tied to NEOM megaproject execution and Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) deployment.
Recent Activity
Saudi Space Agency announced expanded $40B+ national plan in 2024; Neo Space Group (PIF subsidiary) launched 2024 to consolidate commercial space activity.