Lockheed Martin and the Saudi Technology Development and Investment Company (TAQNIA) will establish a new ground system to control, manage and operate Saudi Arabia’s newly launched commercial communications satellite, SaudiGeoSat-1 (SGS-1).
The ground system supports advanced Ka-band spot beam communications services. Also, it supports commercial off-the-shelf-based broadband services, as well as Saudi-specific secure communication services.
“This modern satellite ground system will help the KSA take full advantage of the advanced capabilities of SGS-1. Additionally, it will nurture Saudi’s growing native engineering talent,” said Joseph Rank, the Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin in Saudi Arabia.
“This system will also allow the integration of current and future Air Missile Defence Systems, adding enhanced security and resiliency,” he added.
On the same matter, the CEO of TAQNIA Holdings, Abdulrahman Alkhathlan, said:
“Saudi engineers trained and worked side-by-side with Lockheed Martin’s world-class satellite manufacturing experts. This practical learning experience helps building qualified Saudi talent to support future satellite and ground component production in the Kingdom.”
Alkhathlan added: “Space is a critical enabler for national security and defence systems and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, as well as goals for self-sufficiency, critical to the Kingdom’s future.”
“A comprehensive, integrated space architecture strengthens the Kingdom’s modern military systems and operations across all domains, dramatically improving situational awareness,” he concluded.
SaudiGeoSat-1 was designed in concert with Lockheed Martin. The launch took place abroad by using European Space Agency Ariane V rocket from French Guiana on February 5, 2019.
