Riyadh, February 11, 2024, The Saudi Space Agency (SSA) is hosting the Space Debris conference under the theme "Securing the Future Growth of the Global Space Economy," aiming to elevate global consciousness regarding the challenges presented by space debris and ensure a secure and prosperous future for space exploration.
In collaboration with the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission, and in partnership with the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), the Kingdom seeks to forge a comprehensive roadmap addressing these challenges. The conference serves as a platform for deliberating effective global governance, policies, legislation, and fostering innovative research within the field.
The event has convened 260 experts and speakers from over 50 countries, including CEOs and leaders in the space sector. Among the attendees are Minister of Communications and Information Technology and SSA Chairman Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, and SSA CEO Dr. Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi.
In his opening address, Al-Tamimi underscored the event's significance and reiterated the Kingdom's commitment to addressing the challenges of space debris management. He highlighted the escalating volume of space debris and its potential ramifications on spacecraft safety and humanity's advancement in space exploration.
With estimates suggesting tens of thousands of scattered space parts and fragments in orbits, Al-Tamimi stressed the urgent and critical nature of tackling this issue. He also emphasized the imperative of international cooperation in space debris management, citing SSA's efforts to adopt best practices and advanced technologies to mitigate the problem.
Al-Tamimi emphasized the conference as an opportune platform for exchanging ideas and innovations, urging participants to contribute their expertise for positive outcomes in the field.
The two-day conference features four dialogue sessions and three keynote speeches focused on legislation and future trends in addressing the impact of space debris. Discussions aim to propose solutions geared toward eliminating risks and safeguarding the planet.
Additionally, the conference showcases an exhibition featuring local and international companies specializing in space technologies and sciences. It aims to underscore the dangers of space debris and enhance awareness about rapid technical developments aimed at confronting this challenge, which affects all of humanity.
