The sky’s the limit for alliances in space

Following a long period without access to space, Europe’s new Ariane 6 rocket completed its inaugural flight, from French Guiana, on July 9. The modular and versatile rocket, designed for various mission types, marks a significant milestone in European space access and technology. The launch included deploying several satellites into orbit and demonstrating the rocket’s capabilities. The event reestablished Europe’s autonomous access to space and highlighted the collaborative efforts of ESA, CNES, ArianeGroup and Arianespace. Plans include commercial missions showcasing Ariane 6’s versatility and capability.

During the period without access, Europe was able to rely on Space X for the launch of key satellites. Indeed, SpaceX launched the European Commission’s Galileo satellites from the US, due to the unavailability of Russian Soyuz because of the war in Ukraine and the decommissioning of Ariane 5. The Galileo constellation, essential for Europe’s navigation system, faced challenges as eight of its 28 satellites were not operational. At that time, European Commissioner Thierry Breton said that with Ariane 6 still in development, SpaceX was the logical choice. This highlighted Europe’s dependence on American rockets and stressed the urgency for Europe to restore its autonomous access to space. It was also a good thing to be able to count on an ally to support these launches — so it is not all negative.

Indeed, every space-focused country or region, whether Europe or the US, needs autonomy and launch capacity as well as control over their supply chain. Yet, space is a difficult business and one needs friends and allies. And this goes both ways as one never knows how things evolve.

A good friend seeing my joy and excitement at the launch of Ariane 6 told me: “Europeans have launched only one rocket, Space X has launched close to 50.” My answer was clear: Any launch from the transatlantic alliance is a win for all and we never know when or how this capacity can be useful to all.

It is also encouraging to see stronger links between the US and Saudi Arabia. In July, the two countries signed a framework agreement to enhance cooperation with NASA in various areas including space science, exploration, aeronautics, space operations, education and Earth science. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Saudi Space Agency CEO Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi signed the agreement, which aims to build on existing partnerships and facilitate new collaborative efforts. In this context, Nelson highlighted the importance of partnerships in this “golden era of exploration.” Saudi Space Agency Chairman Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha said the agreement was a pivotal step for the Kingdom’s burgeoning space sector.

Beyond the security and defense necessities satellites and space represent there are major opportunities and a necessity for global collaboration.

Khaled Abou Zahr

The framework outlines the legal basis for collaboration and is aligned with the principles of the Artemis Accords, which Saudi Arabia signed in 2022 to promote transparent and responsible space exploration. The agreement followed Nelson’s visit to the Kingdom and reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen civil space cooperation between the two nations. Additionally, it builds on recent collaborative ventures, such as the inclusion of Saudi astronauts Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi in the Axiom Mission-2, which conducted various activities aboard the International Space Station. This will give a great boost to the Middle East and its focus on the space domain.

Beyond the security and defense necessities satellites and space represent there are major opportunities and a necessity for global collaboration. In the coming decade, I would consider the two main ones being the replacement of the International Space Agency and the development of settlements on the moon. Here too there is a need to work with friends and allies, as friendships on Earth tend to extend to space. This is why we see geopolitics moving toward what is now called “astropolitics.” More importantly, due to the sensitivity of space and greater competition between major powers, there is a risk of reaching a point of exclusivity imposed by tech intellectual properties. If we put it in the school playground talk: You have to choose your best friend.

This is why it is also important to build up your capabilities and to focus on a clear mission for space. Space is a vast business and, pun intended, you can easily get lost in space. This focus will also support the framework of partnerships that is needed to achieve goals. I would add that the pivot noticed in the Gulf and particularly in Saudi Arabia in the space domain is equivalent to a NASA moment for the Arab world. With great global partnerships being put forward and the development of a local ecosystem, the trajectory is optimal. Just as in any space mission, we need to be aware that there will be setbacks, but the important thing is to learn and keep the course. This is why I think we should remember how much was lost when the US gave up on space at the end of the Cold War. This should never happen again for any country.

When speaking to my denigrating friend, I nevertheless added that the competitive process brought forward by the US with SpaceX and other private companies was the best way to move forward. This is why government-to-government friendships and alliances need to be extended to business-to-business partnerships and alliances. In this instance, Saudi Arabia’s proven expertise in successfully managing complex ventures and partners across various domains and sectors such as energy can be extended to the space sector.

• Khaled Abou Zahr is the founder of the investment platform SpaceQuest Ventures, CEO of EurabiaMedia and editor of Al-Watan Al-Arabi.