Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Space Tourism Boosts Investments in Innovative Sectors, Advanced Technology

POSTED ON August 10, 2024 •   Business      BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara
HALO Space is set to launch its sixth space tourism test flight from Saudi Arabia in September. l. Credit: HALO Space

HALO Space, a Spanish startup in space tourism, is set to launch its sixth space tourism test flight from Saudi Arabia in September.

The announcement underscores the efforts the Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) and General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) have been making to demonstrate the Kingdom’s pioneering role in space tourism.

CEO of Halo Space Carlos Mira told Asharq Al-Awsat that the company is committed to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by accelerating efforts to support space tourism through its strategic partnerships with Saudi agencies.

He noted that the company has also set up an operational base in the Kingdom where it offers direct and close support to the transformation of all economic sectors.

Mira predicted a 700 percent rise in global space tourism trips in the first five years, reflecting HALO Space’s commitment to making space within everyone’s reach. It will also propel Saudi Arabia towards playing a more pioneering role in space exploration and pushing forward its innovation and economic diversification.

He underlined the close cooperation between the public and private sectors in adopting safety standards and protection measures, which are the foundations of the success of the mission.

The cooperation between the CST and GACA embodies HALO Space’s commitment to providing a safe flight in the near future, he added.

Managing Partner at Arthur D. Little Middle East and India and HALO Space board member Thomas Kuruvilla underscored the space tourism partnership with Saudi Arabia.

He told Asharq Al-Awsat that HALO Space’s innovation is part of the Arthur D. Little company and in cooperation with relevant government agencies and aims to bolster Saudi Arabia’s pioneering role in space tourism.

Saudi Arabia’s readiness to become a launch base for HALO Space in the Middle East will lead to more investments in innovative sectors and advanced technologies, he went on to say.

This includes space exploration and tourism, he explained.

Saudi Arabia is set to go down in history for becoming one of the first countries in the world to launch a space tourism flight, he stressed.

The flight in September is a very significant step and it is also in line with Vision 2030, he stated.

This upcoming test flight will feature HALO Space's real-size prototype capsule, Aurora, which will ascend to 30 kilometers above the Earth's surface. The primary objective of this mission is to rigorously validate the integrated operation of all critical systems developed over the past three years, said the company in a statement.

Alberto Castrillo, Chief Technology Officer of HALO Space, stated: "This mission is designed to meticulously validate all our critical systems we’ve been developing for the past three years. The dates and location were set to ensure the reliable operation of our equipment and safe conditions for the teams that will be on the ground operating the flight."

CST has been working with and supporting HALO Space since the beginning of the year, overseeing preparations for the test flight, which is set against the backdrop of Saudi Vision 2030.

HALO Space's decision to establish its flagship operational base and final assembly site in Saudi Arabia underscores the Kingdom's ideal conditions for space exploration activities and support for innovative business models.

As this visionary plan aims to transform the Kingdom into a global hub for technological innovation and economic diversification, CST has also been collaborating with other government entities such as GACA, to meet all regulatory requirements for the test flight, emphasizing the commitment to the safety of both personnel and materials involved in this ground-breaking test.

Frank Salzgeber, Acting Deputy Governor for Space Sector at CST, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating: "Along with its regulatory mandate, CST is also undertaking an enabling role within the civil space sector, through fostering innovative business models, promoting space exploration activities, and supporting joint efforts with relevant authorities to develop space sector.”

“This innovative project represents a significant step forward in space tourism, and in support of such technological advancements and investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia, CST is always committed to providing regulatory frameworks that foster innovation among companies and projects like HALO Space while ensuring the safety of personnel and materials,” he added.

READ ALSO
CBN Launched BVN Platform for Nigerians Living Abroad
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 14, 2025 0

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in partnership with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIB...

READ ALSO
Tinubu Calls for Unified Tax System to Enhance Revenue Generation and Equity
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 13, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to undertaking bold and compreh...

READ ALSO
World Bank: Tinubu’s Reforms Bringing Stability to Nigeria’s Economy
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 13, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - The World Bank expressed approval of the federal government on Monday, noting that...

READ ALSO
SERAP Requests CBN to Reveal Local Council Allocations Before 2027 Elections
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 12, 2025 0

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has requested that the Governor of the...

READ ALSO
Dangote Rejects Claims of Inadequate Fuel Supply Amidst Marketers' Accusations
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 12, 2025 0

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed accusations from oil marketers claiming that the facili...

READ ALSO
Nigeria's Public Debt Hits N144.67 Trillion as Government Borrows Heavily
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 12, 2025 0

Nigeria's overall public debt increased by N57.3 trillion in the first 18 months of the current admi...

READ ALSO
MAN Raises Alarm Over FX Scarcity Impacting Industry
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 10, 2025 0

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has expressed concern over the significant losses suf...

READ ALSO
Nigeria Exits IMF Debtor List After Repayment $3.4bn Loan
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 9, 2025 0

Almost four years after obtaining a $3.4 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to...

OUR CHANNELS:

Tackling Nigeria's Food System Crisis: Opportunities amidst Challenges
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 14, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria (AAN), Andrew Mamedu, has stated that Nig...


I Have Nothing Left, Nollywood Actress Emotional Call for Support
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 15, 2025 0

A well-known Nollywood actress, Jumoke George, has publicly requested assistance, disclosing her ong...


Nasarawa Assembly Enacts Mining Bill to Ensure Compliance and Community Welfare
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 14, 2025 0

NASARAWA, Nigeria - The Nasarawa House of Assembly On Tuesday approved a mining bill aimed at regula...


UNHCR Raises Alarm over Germany's Stricter Border Controls
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 15, 2025 0

The UNHCR has voiced its concerns regarding Germany's recent move to enhance border controls and den...


CBN Launched BVN Platform for Nigerians Living Abroad
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 14, 2025 0

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in partnership with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIB...


CDS Urges Vigilance and Unity among Troops in Fight Against Insurgency
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 14, 2025 0

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, praised the troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA...


Tinubu Calls for Unified Tax System to Enhance Revenue Generation and Equity
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 14, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to undertaking bold and compreh...


LASG to Introduce Flexible Rent Payment Plans for Low-Income Residents
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 14, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria - The Lagos State government is in the process of finalizing a system that will allow...


PDP Leaders Reassure Members Amid Defections Ahead of 2027 Elections
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 14, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - Acting National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador U...


World Bank: Tinubu’s Reforms Bringing Stability to Nigeria’s Economy
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 14, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - The World Bank expressed approval of the federal government on Monday, noting that...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu