Saudi Space Agency, Japanese ministries sign memorandum on peaceful space cooperation
The Saudi Space Agency (SSA) signed a memorandum of cooperation with Japanese government entities focused on the peaceful use of outer space during the Saudi-Japan Ministerial Investment Forum in Riyadh.
The memorandum was concluded with Japan’s Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology and chairman of the SSA Board of Directors, represented the agency at the signing.
The memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation in space science and technology, capacity building, and the exchange of expertise, including training and knowledge-sharing missions and programs. It is structured to support space-sector development and promote peaceful uses of outer space through joint programs and technical collaboration.
The signing took place alongside the tenth Saudi-Japanese Ministerial Investment Forum, titled “Invest in Saudi Arabia,” and was listed as part of a package of cooperation agreements announced during the forum program.
The cooperation framework includes workstreams covering advanced space technologies, deep-space technologies and exploration, Earth observation and space-based services, satellite manufacturing and related services, satellite launch and launch vehicles, and satellite hosting and operation. The scope also includes scientific missions and astronaut training.
The memorandum was framed around long-term Saudi-Japanese collaboration in the space domain, with emphasis on sustainable space development and closer integration between technical and research capabilities in both countries. It was also presented as part of ongoing efforts to expand international partnerships in the space sector and contribute to a global space ecosystem supporting research and innovation, and widening cooperation on peaceful space activities.
