Egypt, backed by Syria, has proposed an in-depth discussion on using satellites to counter terrorism at the United Nation’s space body, the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). The proposal came in the form of a short paper titled “Combating Terrorism using Space Technology,” drafted by Egyptian …
Read More »The astropolitics of Iranian-Turkish competition in Central Asia
As both Iran and Turkey look to Central Asia to enhance their diplomatic and economic prospects and standings, space cooperation will become a more important and useful tool for gaining relative geopolitical advantage in the region for both countries. Who is better able to exploit the opportunities for space cooperation …
Read More »Gilat to provide cellular backhaul for Myanmar TV station
Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. of Peta Tikva, Israel, a global provider in satellite networking technology, solutions and services, announced on 2 June 2016 that Sky Net, a leading Myanmar TV station and systems integrator, selected Gilat’s network for cellular backhaul in Myanmar. Sky Net and Gilat won the bid of …
Read More »UAE Space Agency and NASA partner up for space exploration
The United States and United Arab Emirates have entered into an agreement to cooperate in aeronautics research, and the exploration and use of airspace and outer space for peaceful purposes, working together in the peaceful use of outer space for the benefit of humanity. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and UAE …
Read More »NASA’s Charlie Bolden: Bringing Humans to Mars and Humanity Together
Charles Bolden, the administrator of the US space agency NASA, is visiting the Middle East to encourage greater international cooperation in the exploration of the planet Mars. Before departing Washington, DC, on 3 June 2016 for his visit to Israel, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates, Mr. Bolden wrote on his …
Read More »What we’ve been reading this week…
Welcome to a new, occasional, series of posts where we share with our readers the things that have caught our attention over the past week, and which inspire and inform us in reporting and analyzing space activities throughout the Middle East. First up, and with Ramadan being observed by Muslims …
Read More »Israel Aerospace Industries announces “on-the-move” personal military SATCOM terminal
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced on 7 June 2016 the release of its compact Phased Array SATCOM for ground soldiers at EUROSATORY 2016. The ELK-1882A “On-the-Move” (OTM) Personal SATCOM micro-terminal provides personal bi-directional voice and data communication for lower echelon ground combatants. Designed by IAI’s ELTA Group, the ELK-1882A micro-terminal …
Read More »NASA Chief visits Israel, Jordan, and UAE for Mars exploration cooperation talks
Charlie Bolden, the administrator of the US space agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), is currently visiting the Middle East to discuss possible cooperation on exploration of the planet Mars with regional space agencies. Mr. Bolden has already visited Israel, and will next visit Jordan, the United Arab …
Read More »Satellites and the Middle East’s cyber wars
The latest round of cyber skirmishes that have erupted between Iranian and Saudi Arabian hackers is a timely reminder that Middle Eastern satellites and their operators are vulnerable to more sophisticated cyber attacks. ThorGroup’s Dr. John B. Sheldon explores this often discussed yet poorly understood threat to space systems. On …
Read More »Spacepower in the Middle East: The Paradox of Strategic Depth and Transparency
Tragically, the Middle East has been the backdrop for changes in the character of war over the past few decades. With the rapid dissemination of high-resolution Earth observation satellites throughout the region, even more changes in the character of war are in store, argues ThorGroup’s Dr. John B. Sheldon. The unique, …
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