Saudi Space Agency Enhances Saudi Arabia's Global Space Standing in 2025
The Saudi Space Agency (SSA) recorded a series of landmark achievements in the space sector in 2025 through strategic programs, initiatives, and projects that enhanced the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's standing in space science and technology, supported research and innovation, and built national capabilities, fully aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Building on the success of the Saudi astronauts' mission, 11 scientific papers and a patent were published as outcomes of the "Saudi Towards Space" mission. A first-of-its-kind scientific achievement was achieved by fabricating a nanomaterial to repair cartilage in space. In addition, the first successful stem-cell transplantation and advanced gene-transfer experiments were conducted in space, alongside the delivery of eight specialized scientific workshops under the "BioGravity" program, thereby advancing the Kingdom's leadership in space research and advanced sciences.
In the area of innovation and the space economy, 2025 marked a strong presence for SSA through the launch of the global "SpaceUp" competition in partnership with the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), offering contractual opportunities worth $28 million and attracting more than 690 participants from 50 countries across six technology tracks. SSA launched the global "DebriSolver" competition, with participation from more than 1,900 innovators representing 40 countries, underscoring the Kingdom's role as a hub for international collaboration and innovation in addressing space debris challenges.
As part of empowering national talent and developing human capital, SSA implemented training programs and specialized seminars that benefited more than 900 participants through the academy's activities. Additionally, 10 Arab scientific experiments were sent to the International Space Station as part of the "Space Madak" competition.
In the same context, two Saudi satellites, designed by students from Umm Al-Qura University and Prince Sultan University, were launched as part of the "SARI" competition. Seven scientific workshops were held, featuring leading scientists, to enhance awareness of microgravity research and its scientific and medical applications. The second edition of the "Space Madak" competition was launched across the Arab world.
In support of the nonprofit sector, the "Madar Impact" Award, aimed at empowering nonprofit organizations in the space domain, was concluded.
On the community level, the agency strengthened its outreach efforts by achieving more than 50 million views for Arabic space science content and launching the "Knowledge Space Portal," the first specialized Arabic digital platform dedicated to space science awareness. The portal attracted more than 300,000 visitors within its first two weeks of launch.
SSA implemented a space-themed event under the "Diriyah Horizons" program in partnership with the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, organized a symposium on the future of space and its implications for national security in collaboration with the National Defense University, and hosted an astronomical observation evening.
Furthermore, the agency launched the national awareness campaign for World Space Week in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Saudi universities, engaging more than 36,000 schools and universities across the Kingdom. The "Abaad" astrophotography competition concluded, with nine winners announced.
Internationally, Saudi Arabia maintained a distinguished presence by winning three global awards at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics in partnership with the Mawhiba Foundation and Neo Space Group. The SSA secured four Platinum Awards at the MarCom Awards and two Platinum and Gold Awards at the Vega Digital Awards, in recognition of its excellence in digital engagement and awareness.
These achievements had a wide-reaching impact, with total reach exceeding 900 million and the agency's content generating over 18 million impressions, reflecting the effectiveness of the communication efforts in conveying Saudi Arabia's message in the space sector, both locally and internationally.
Collectively, these accomplishments underscore the advanced position Saudi Arabia has attained at both regional and international levels in the space sector and highlight its growing role as an influential player in shaping the future of this field, reinforcing its presence within the global space ecosystem in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
