›The Saudi International Space & Aeronautics Technology Conference

The Kingdom is hosting this year's 25th Planetary Congress of the Association of Space Explorers (ASE) in Riyadh, from 5 - 10 November 2012, corresponding to Dul-Hijjah 20 - 25, 1434 H. The astronauts will be participating in the Kingdom's International Space and Aeronautics Conference held in association with the event.

The international space and aeronautics sector has witnessed increasing competitiveness and significant technological advancement in recent years. Space and aeronautics systems and technologies have become a key part of the Kingdom's economic, scientific and national security capabilities.

The current global environment for space and aeronautics technologies presents significant opportunities for Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom is well positioned to contribute to the regional development of these technological systems. There are also huge opportunities to commercialize Saudi technologies, particularly those related to the constellation of Saudi Comsat satellites and Global Navigation Satellite System applications.

This conference will bring together the unique experiences of astronauts with that of leading experts in this field, and will cover the latest developments and research in space and aeronautics technologies, particularly those of major interest to Saudi Arabia...