The Space Debris Conference has concluded in Riyadh with collaborations in the fields of space monitoring and sustainability.
The Space Debris Conference wrapped up its final day with a series of sessions spotlighting “Innovative Solutions.” Attended by more than 470 experts, speakers, CEOs, and leaders in the global space sector, these discussions delved into the pressing challenges posed by space debris and emphasised the urgency of leveraging the opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution to safeguard the future growth of the global space economy.
The opening session, titled “Modern Technologies and Strategic Measures and Their Impact on Space Traffic Management,” examined key advancements in space traffic management technologies. Speakers explored the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing space traffic flow, predicting potential collisions, and implementing proactive strategies to mitigate risks.
In the sixth session, “Focus on the Sky,” participants underscored the critical importance of situational awareness in ensuring the safety and sustainability of space activities. Discussions revolved around the latest developments in tracking, characterising, and predicting the movements of space objects, emphasising the necessity of international collaboration in establishing a robust infrastructure for space awareness.
The final session, “Towards Innovative Solutions for Space Debris Challenges,” emphasised the need for effective legislative and policy frameworks, as well as adaptive preventive measures. Speakers called for the development of a comprehensive roadmap to tackle space debris challenges, stressing the importance of deepened cooperation among academic institutions, regulatory bodies, the industry sector, government entities, and international space agencies.
Participants lauded the Kingdom’s remarkable digital transformation, attributing its success to the organisation of this pioneering global conference in the region. The conference highlighted Saudi Arabia’s integrated system of digital capabilities, which have propelled advancements in various fields, particularly space, technology, and innovation.
During the conference, two memoranda of cooperation and understanding were signed. The first, with NorthStar, aims to enhance cooperation in space situational awareness. The second, with LeoLabs, seeks to foster collaboration in space monitoring and exploration of future cooperation opportunities.
Scientific discussions at the conference yielded several recommendations and outcomes, outlining solutions and strategies to address space debris challenges and advocating for the establishment of effective global governance mechanisms.
Organised by the Saudi Space Agency in partnership with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Communications and Space Technology Commission, the conference reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable space utilisation. Through the adoption of best global practices and experiences, Saudi Arabia aims to advance scientific and applied space research for civil purposes.
