The space sector plays a key role in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious roadmap for economic and social transformation. According to a Saudi Arabian Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST) report, the space industry is forecasted to reach an average annual value of $2.2 billion by 2030.

Now, near-space tourism company Halo Space has announced Saudi Arabia as the launch site for its upcoming test flight in June. This will be the sixth test flight for the company and the first to take place outside of their headquarters in Spain.

This collaboration with Saudi Arabia aligns with the kingdom’s recent efforts to become a major player in the space industry. 

The test will involve launching Halo Space’s second full-scale prototype capsule 32 kilometers above Earth’s surface. With conditional approval from the CST, the test aims to validate the integrated operation of all critical systems for Halo Space’s near-space travel technology.

“This test brings us one step closer to our goal,” said Halo Space CEO Carlos Mira. The company aims to begin commercial flights by 2026, offering passengers a glimpse of the Earth’s curvature from the stratosphere.

Founded in 2021, Halo Space plans to establish four launch bases globally, including Saudi Arabia, the United States, Australia, and Spain, for their future near-space tourism operations.

After failed investment talks with Virgin Group in 2018, Saudi Arabia established its own space agency, the Saudi Space Commission, to diversify its economy, promote research and development, and attract private sector involvement in the space sector. 

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