Saudi space sector regulations: New licenses and 8 obligations for operators
In a strategic move aimed at solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a key player in the global space economy, the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CSTC) a comprehensive set of regulations and guidelines for the space sector through its "Istilaa" platform. This step aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which places great emphasis on diversifying income sources and empowering advanced technology sectors.
Strategic context: Space as a new economic driver
Space is no longer merely a field for scientific exploration; it has transformed globally into a vital economic sector attracting trillions in investments. Since the renaming of the authority to include "Space," the Kingdom has been working to bridge the legislative gap to create an attractive environment for both foreign and domestic investment. These new regulations aim to establish a fair and competitive environment characterized by transparency and clarity, giving investors and operators the confidence to invest capital in satellite projects, launches, and orbital services, while ensuring the protection of national interests and security.
Regulation details: Licensing and transport controls
The Authority clarified that the regulatory document covers all aspects of space activities, from licensing and permitting requirements to the mechanisms for transferring them. The Authority has established strict conditions for mergers and acquisitions; the regulations stipulate that a license may not be assigned or transferred to another entity without prior approval. This mechanism ensures that the acquiring entity possesses the necessary financial and technical capabilities and meets the requirements for protecting the Kingdom from any international legal liabilities that may arise towards third parties.
The regulations also stressed that payment of the financial consideration is a non-negotiable prerequisite before any transfer can be completed, while emphasizing that the assignment does not exempt the original operator from any obligations prior to the date of the transfer.
8 key commitments to ensure space safety
As part of the Kingdom’s commitment to international treaties for the peaceful use of space, the Authority has identified 8 core obligations for operators and licensees, which focus primarily on safety and sustainability:
- Full compliance with the regulations and rules issued by the Authority and relevant government agencies.
- Immediate and written reporting of any incident involving a space object, whether in orbit, the atmosphere, or on Earth.
- Monitoring and reporting to the Authority any celestial objects or incidents that may threaten orbital operations.
- Banning the deliberate crashing or collision of space objects with each other to reduce space debris.
- Reporting on the risks of uncontrolled re-entry of space objects or fragments into the atmosphere.
- Providing accurate estimates of potential impact locations and timelines for them.
- Develop effective plans to mitigate the risks posed by space debris.
- Providing the authority with all the reports and information it requests to ensure the efficiency of oversight.
The authority has broad powers to protect the public interest
The regulations granted the authority broad powers, including the suspension or revocation of licenses in cases of extreme necessity to protect public health, safety, or national security. The authority also affirmed its right to periodically reassess decisions, reflecting the flexibility of the legislative system and its ability to adapt to the rapidly evolving technology and space sectors.
It is worth noting that these regulatory moves come at a time when the region is witnessing unprecedented activity in the space sector, as the Kingdom seeks to lead this scene regionally by providing an exemplary legislative structure that balances encouraging commercial innovation with ensuring the highest levels of safety and international responsibility.
