In a strategic move aimed at strengthening Saudi Arabia's position as a leading regional and international hub in the space sector, the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CSTC) has released the Spaceport Regulations document through the "Istilaa" platform. This initiative aims to establish a robust legal and regulatory framework to govern the construction and operation of spaceports, whether land-based, sea-based, or air-based, ensuring the safety of space operations and attracting high-quality investments to this vital sector.
Strategic context and ambitious vision
These new regulations align with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes the space sector as a key driver of economic diversification and technological innovation. For years, the Kingdom has been working to establish the necessary infrastructure and legislation to transform space from a purely research sector into a fully integrated economic industry. The regulation of spaceports is a cornerstone of this approach, contributing to the localization of launch technologies and attracting specialized international companies, thereby enhancing the Kingdom's technological sovereignty and creating highly skilled job opportunities for Saudi nationals.
Separating construction and operation: a precise organizational structure
The authority clarified in its draft the necessity of a regulatory separation between construction and operation processes, as it obligated entities wishing to enter this field to obtain specific licenses:
- Spaceport construction license: This is granted to the entity responsible for developing the infrastructure.
- Spaceport operating license: This is granted to the entity that will manage day-to-day operations and launch services.
The regulations granted the authority the flexibility to allow the combination of the two licenses for one entity if the national interest and market requirements so required, reflecting the dynamism of the regulation and its consideration of different business models.
12-month grace period and strict safety standards
To ensure serious implementation and prevent the unjustified withholding of licenses, the Authority has established a strict condition requiring construction companies to commence actual construction work within a period not exceeding 12 months from the date of issuance of the license. Conversely, the regulations have emphasized safety and security standards, requiring applicants to submit comprehensive environmental impact assessments and detailed risk analyses, including scenarios for debris scattering and the re-entry trajectories of space objects, to ensure the protection of lives, property, and the Kingdom's airspace.
Expected economic impact and international obligations
This regulation is expected to be a game-changer for the region's space investment environment, providing the legislative clarity sought by major international companies. The regulations also reaffirm the Kingdom's full commitment to international space treaties, including agreements on the rescue of astronauts, further solidifying the Kingdom's credibility as a responsible international partner in this field.
License duration and operational manual
The authority has set the minimum operating license period for the spaceport at 15 years, a sufficient duration to ensure investment stability and achieve the desired returns. With no automatic renewal, operators are required to maintain high levels of performance and compliance with renewal requirements. Operators are also obligated to develop a comprehensive operational manual, updated annually, to serve as a primary reference for safety, security, and logistical procedures within the port.
