Space Debris Conference Opens Tomorrow In Riyadh With Global Participation

The second edition of the Space Debris Conference is set to open on Monday in Riyadh, bringing together specialists from across the world to discuss the growing problem of space debris, support safer use of Earth’s orbits, and back the long‑term stability of the global space economy.

Over two days, the Space Debris Conference will host experts, decision‑makers, and representatives from 75 countries, including government bodies, international organisations, and private companies active in the space sector, reflecting wide global interest in tackling orbital risks and securing space operations.

The event is organised by the Saudi Space Agency, with support from the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union, underlining the need for joint international frameworks to manage space debris and maintain a safe orbital environment for current and future missions.

Key goals of the Space Debris Conference include raising awareness of the hazards posed by debris, reviewing existing laws and policies, advancing research and technical innovation, and working towards effective governance tools that support responsible and sustainable use of orbital regions around Earth.

Conference sessions will address space sustainability, ways to protect the global space economy, and methods to strengthen international cooperation, while also highlighting new technologies, partnerships, and operational practices designed to limit debris generation and improve removal or avoidance strategies in crowded orbits.

The programme of the Space Debris Conference features panel discussions and keynote speeches led by international specialists, who will assess current challenges, share national and regional experiences, and explore practical steps that can help protect satellites, space stations, and other orbital infrastructure from collision risks.

Space Debris Conference innovation and Saudi Arabia’s role

A central feature of the Space Debris Conference is the "DebriSolver" competition, an international platform for applied innovation in space debris mitigation, where leading experts and judges will review proposed solutions against strict scientific and technical criteria to help move promising ideas into workable systems.

By hosting the Space Debris Conference, Saudi Arabia aims to strengthen its role as a global centre for space sustainability, support public‑private partnerships, encourage policy initiatives led by the Saudi Space Agency, and align national space efforts with Saudi Vision 2030 goals for a strong, diversified space economy and active engagement in international space initiatives.

With inputs from SPA