Saudi Space Agency And United Nations Agree On Peaceful Uses Of Outer Space And Expanded Cooperation

The Saudi Space Agency has agreed a new memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, setting out closer cooperation on the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space and confirming Saudi Arabia’s intention to play a stronger role in global space governance.

The agreement is signed during the Space Debris 2026 Conference and creates a formal framework for joint work. It covers activities that match the mandates of both sides and stresses compliance with each party’s rules, regulations, policies, and procedures while coordinating efforts on shared priorities.

Under the MoU, the Saudi Space Agency and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs will exchange expertise, data, and space-related technologies. The two sides plan joint programmes in agreed priority areas, including training activities and sustainable capacity-building for national institutions involved in space science and related engineering disciplines.

Areas of cooperation under the Saudi Space Agency MoU with the United Nations include support for initiatives that promote peaceful uses of outer space and long-term space sustainability. The partners also focus on education, research and development, and innovation in space science and engineering, alongside sharing experience in satellite systems and space exploration missions.

The memorandum reflects a wider direction within the Saudi Space Agency to deepen cooperation across the UN system, improve coordination with existing international partners, and improve the effectiveness of current collaborations. This approach is intended to maximise shared benefits for all institutions involved in space activities worldwide.

The MoU also supports Saudi Arabia’s stated goal of being an active and influential participant in the global space sector. It aligns with national strategic interests at regional and international levels while contributing to global efforts to treat outer space as a shared resource that is used peacefully and kept sustainable for future generations.

With inputs from SPA