Saudi Arabia to Launch First Space Weather Satellite as Part of Artemis II Mission
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia is set to launch its first space weather satellite through a landmark agreement with NASA, as part of the Artemis II mission. This marks a significant step in the Kingdom’s growing involvement in international space exploration and scientific cooperation with the United States.
The agreement, signed during the official visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to Riyadh, builds on the broader framework of U.S.–Saudi space collaboration established in July 2024. It reflects the deepening partnership between the two nations in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.
Led by the Saudi Space Agency (SSA), the mission highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the Artemis Accords — a multilateral initiative promoting peaceful, cooperative exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
The satellite will monitor solar activity and its impact on Earth’s magnetic field, gathering high-resolution data that will support global efforts to safeguard astronauts, improve satellite communications and navigation, and enhance space weather forecasting capabilities.
This initiative is part of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), one of the key pillars of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The project aims to foster advanced technological expertise within the Kingdom and strengthen its domestic space industry.
By investing in strategic space missions, Saudi Arabia is reinforcing its ambition to transition into a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy while nurturing local talent in the high-growth space sector.
