Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saudi Space Commission Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha said that the Cabinet's approval to change the Saudi Space Commission (SSC) into an agency represents a qualitative leap in the space industry. It is bound to stimulate research and innovation, and help achieve the national goals of developing the sector and increasing the Kingdom's successes toward meeting the targets of the Saudi Vision 2030, he said. Al-Swaha commended the wise leadership for issuing this decision, which lends further support to the Kingdom's space sector, adding that this development will strengthen the new agency's role in exercising its tasks and implementing space programs. The decision of the Cabinet, he said, reflects the keenness to keep abreast of modern developments, technology and global knowledge, and is bound to inspire and motivate young people and scientists. A draft bylaw will transform the Saudi Space Commission into the Saudi Space Agency. The Kingdom witnessed a historic event on May 21 when Saudi astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi, the first female Arab Muslim astronaut, and Ali Al Qarni joined the International Space Station (ISS) to explore opportunities in space and conducted 14 scientific experiments to serve humanity and protect the Earth. After successfully completing this historic mission, the two astronauts returned to Earth on May 31. The scientific experiments carried out by the two Saudi astronauts confirmed that the growth and development of the space sector cannot take place without the development of other sectors, such as industry, and digital technology and telecommunications. As such, the Cabinet decision regarding the space agency will be in favor of other sectors as well, including industry and technology. Vice Chairman of the SSC Dr. Mohammed Saud Al-Tamimi said that the Cabinet decision to transform the Saudi Space Commission into the Saudi Space Agency is bound to help the local space exploring sector continues to develop, and lend it support. It also aligns with the keenness of the government of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman, president of the Supreme Space Council, to improve the efficiency of all government agencies performance, to achieve the goals of Vision 2030. "This decision represents a quantum leap in supporting the national efforts to develop the space sector in the Kingdom," said Al-Tamimi. Al-Tamimi pointed out that the Saudi Space Agency, according to the statute approved by the Cabinet, aims to implement, develop and localize space science and technology, support the peaceful use of its industries and technologies, and employ the best global applications and practices in the fields of satellites and exploratory missions to enhance the Kingdom's position and make it a leading regional and international center for space science and technologies. Al-Tamimi commended the Cabinet for approving the move, stressing that the decision will help improve the rating of the Saudi space sector and contribute to the Kingdom's success in achieving its national goals. He also said that it will strengthen the agency's role in carrying out its duties, implementing and managing the national space strategy programs efficiently, and upgrading the sector, in line with the requirements of the current stage. — SPA
