Stockholm – September 9, 2026 -- GomSpace A/S has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) to jointly develop a dual 8U Earth Observation satellite mission and explore broader cooperation in Saudi Arabia's space sector.
Deal covers full satellite lifecycle from design to testing
The agreement spans conceptual design, mission engineering, system architecture, and Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) activities for the satellite mission. It also includes exploration of advanced Earth Observation and optical communication technologies, combining GomSpace's small satellite systems expertise with KFUPM's academic and engineering capabilities.
Partnership targets knowledge transfer to Saudi engineers and researchers
The initiative embeds technical skill development for KFUPM academics and engineers through hands-on mission phases, according to the companies. Dr. Ayman Abdallah, Director of KFUPM's IRC for Aviation and Space Exploration (IRC-ASE), said the MoU offers a practical pathway for students and researchers to engage across the satellite lifecycle.
Cooperation aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 space ambitions
The partnership supports Saudi Arabia's development of a knowledge-based economy and its expanding space and technology ecosystem under Vision 2030. Carsten Drachmann, CEO of GomSpace, called the MoU "an important first step in exploring longer-term cooperation in Saudi Arabia,