The US-Saudi collaboration is set to build a secure, autonomous satellite network in the Gulf region.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — A landmark $640 million launch agreement has been signed between Saudi Arabia’s SpaceBelt KSA and US firm Innovative Rocket Technologies (iRocket). The five-year contract, announced on 4 August 2025, positions SpaceBelt KSA at the forefront of a major national initiative. It aims to build a sovereign and autonomous satellite communications network for the Kingdom and the wider Gulf region.
This partnership is a direct reflection of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030. The strategic plan seeks to diversify the economy and establish the Kingdom as a regional leader in high-tech industries. The collaboration with iRocket will see the company provide launch vehicle integration and propulsion systems for up to 30 orbital missions. This will be critical for developing the necessary space-based infrastructure.
According to Eng. Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, Co-Founder and Chairman of SpaceBelt KSA, the partnership will support “the national and commercial ambitions of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.” He added, “We hope this collaboration will not only strengthen Saudi Arabia’s technological capabilities and create new high-skilled jobs, but also enhance the Kingdom’s position as a regional leader in the space sector.”
The agreement also includes plans for joint testing and operations within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This cooperative effort is designed to facilitate technology transfer and regional manufacturing. The initiative is set to create skilled jobs and attract international investment, contributing to the Kingdom’s economic diversification goals.
Source: Spacebelt KSA & iRocket Press Release
