KACST to launch telecom satellite in February

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) is working with US-based Lockheed Martin to launch a telecommunications satellite in February, Al-Eqtisadiah reported, citing Majid Al-Meshari, Director of the National Satellite Technology Center at KACST.

The project includes training engineers on satellite manufacturing and testing, he said.

KACST aims to nationalize the satellite industry in the Kingdom to meet the local need for satellite-related applications, Al-Meshari said.

The city has already addressed regulatory agencies for the reservation of orbits and frequencies, as well as satellite system supply, he added.

According to data compiled by Argaam, KACST launched in December Saudi Sat 5A and Saudi Sat 5B satellites, which were developed and manufactured at KACST’s national factories and by national hands.