RIYADH: The Saudi Space Agency is set to organize its first conference to enhance international awareness of the challenges and risks of space debris, and to form a platform for global dialogue to address its impact on the future of space, the agency announced on Monday.
The two-day conference, “Securing the Future Growth of the Global Space Economy,” will be organized by the Saudi Communications, Space and Technology Commission as a host and the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs as a content partner, and begin on Feb. 11 in Riyadh.
The conference is poised to be a leading platform, bringing together space industry leaders, experts and enthusiasts, and will highlight the growing issue of space debris, discuss ways to combat it through effective global governance, explore the necessary policies and legislation, and foster pioneering research in the field.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Tamimi, CEO of the Saudi Space Agency, stressed the importance of the space debris conference in reflecting the agency’s commitment to enhancing sustainability in space.
He said that the event would include various activities, representing an opportunity to stimulate interaction and exchange expertise; to achieve effective progress toward making space a sustainable and future environment.
Al-Tamimi said that the conference had the potential to drive innovative outcomes, particularly in strengthening international collaboration in space management, encouraging partnerships between government agencies, the private sector, academic institutions and research centers, which would contribute to developing creative solutions to the sector’s challenges, including mitigating the impact of space debris.
The conference will cover a range of critical issues, most importantly analyzing the growing issues of space debris. It aims to explore hurdles in legislation and policy-making, while also focusing on necessary adaptations and mitigation strategies for space debris. Discussions will be integrated into a strategic roadmap to tackle the issue.
A significant part of the conference will be devoted to encouraging discussions and consultations on the possibilities of innovative research in space debris removal, with a special emphasis on the role of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence in managing space traffic.
The agency’s announcement of the conference underscores its dedication to promoting environmental sustainability and the sustainable use of outer space.
