The Saudi Space Agency (SSA) has recently inaugurated a landmark conference on space debris, with the theme “Securing the Future Growth of the Global Space Economy.” This initiative, the first of its kind in the region, strives to consolidate a group of renowned space sector experts and specialists to tackle the grave challenges posed by space debris, thereby reaffirming the Kingdom’s dedication to advocating and enhancing policies that protect the future.
In her address to the attendees, the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan, underscored the critical nature of current and impending challenges to the space environment. She stressed the critical role of international standards in the conservation of space and the assurance of ongoing international communications.
Adding to the discourse, the Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), Aarti Holla, highlighted the necessity for deepened international cooperation and the establishment of a consensus on universally accepted space laws.
She further alerted that the incessant satellite launches the world witnesses today will present substantial challenges, thus calling for expedited efforts and a unified global approach to surmounting these hurdles and achieving advancements in this domain.
Reflecting the sentiment of regional commitment, the UAE’s Minister of State for Advanced Technology, Sarah Al Amiri, expressed eagerness to witness the results of the Space Debris Conference. She lauded the Kingdom’s earnest commitment to space sustainability, which not only fosters perpetual exploration but also supports the burgeoning trillion-dollar space economy.
The conference kicked off with a panel discussion titled ‘Beyond Borders, Beyond Debris: Space Agencies Unite for a Sustainable Space Future’.
The subsequent panel, orchestrated by UNOOSA and dubbed ‘Translating Policy into Progress,’ delved into the office’s endeavors, which include pioneering new technologies to alleviate the complications of space debris.
Conference participants recognized that space, being universally accessible, necessitates collective cooperation for the advancement of all humanity.
The third panel discussion, named ‘Role of Licensing Bodies,’ concentrated on the pivotal role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a major entity in confronting the issue of space debris.