University of Portsmouth and SARsatX developing Earth observation mission concept with Saudi Space Agency support
The mission concept aims to inform future satellite programmes designed to tackle climate risks and enhance environmental resilience.
L-R: Peter Schulte, Head of Engineering at SARsatX; David Hutchinson, Professor of Global Environmental Solutions University of Portsmouth; and Tobias Merchant, International Partnership Manager for Space South Central.
The University of Portsmouth, as part of Space South Central (SSC), one of the UK’s largest regional space clusters, is leading a new international partnership with Saudi space-tech company SARsatX. Together, they are developing the concept for an Earth observation satellite mission aimed at supporting a range of sectors, including climate science and environmental resilience.
Eng. Amru Alamoudi, CEO of SARsatX, said:
“This pivotal collaboration unites leading academic and technical capabilities across international boundaries to conceive a state-of-the-art Earth observation satellite constellation. As a Saudi space-tech company, we are committed to leveraging this partnership to address shared challenges, advancing Saudi national space capabilities, and building technical partnerships for satellite technology and mission development.”
Funded through the UK Government’s Gulf Strategy Fund, the project enables researchers and engineers from both countries to jointly design a climate-focused satellite mission concept. The initiative combines academic and technical expertise, aiming to address shared environmental challenges, while strengthening long-term collaboration in space science, mission design, and satellite applications.
The project aligns with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to develop its space ecosystem, while supporting the UK’s objective to expand international partnerships and enable greater engagement of its space research.
Eng. Kamal A. Al-Harbi, Chief Space Technologies & Applications Officer at the Saudi Space Agency, said:
“International collaboration is essential to advancing space in ways that deliver global benefit. Through the Kingdom’s commitment to being a trusted and proactive partner in the international space ecosystem, we connect complementary expertise across borders to accelerate innovation and foster lasting cooperation in research, knowledge exchange, and talent development, helping to shape a more sustainable and opportunity-driven future for the space sector worldwide.”
Space South Central’s academic partners are contributing to delivering the programme, led by the University of Portsmouth, supported by the Universities of Surrey and UCL, together with leading UK space SMEs and primes.
The mission concept design is following a concurrent design approach, and the activities will be carried out by researchers and engineers from the UK and Saudi Arabia.
Dr Becky Canning, Deputy Director for Space at the University of Portsmouth and Principal Investigator for the project, said: “Space-based data is essential to addressing global challenges. By combining the University’s expertise in mission design with that of our academic partners and Saudi Arabia’s technical capabilities, we can deliver real scientific impact.”
With the project underway, a series of joint activities continue to take place over the coming months, including online workshops and reciprocal visits from both sides to further refine the space mission concept. The collaboration will conclude with the development of a long-term roadmap outlining opportunities for future joint research, knowledge sharing and training.
Recognising the role Space South Central has played in supporting this new international partnership, Dr Louise Butt, Director of Space South Central, said:
“This collaboration is a testament to our long-standing commitment to fostering international partnerships. Space South Central has consistently led the way in bringing together world-class academic talent and industry expertise to drive global collaboration. “With our strong academic base and established industry network, Space South Central continues to position the UK as a leader in international collaboration. This project strengthens the UK’s role as a trusted partner in the rapidly expanding global space economy.”
