Antaris, a prominent AI-driven software platform specializing in satellite constellation design, simulation, and operation, announced on Friday a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Saudi Excellence. This Riyadh-based technology firm is a subsidiary of the Al-Ramez International Group. The collaboration aims to stimulate business activity and investment in Saudi Arabia”s burgeoning space sector.
The partnership will leverage Saudi Excellence”s established relationships and expertise in the space industry, combined with Antaris” advanced AI-driven platform. Both companies are dedicated to enhancing the Kingdom”s sovereign satellite and mission capabilities, which are essential for strengthening the local space ecosystem and industrial base.
This agreement aligns with Antaris” open software-driven approach, enabling domestic manufacturers to incorporate their components into the Antaris Cloud Platform through open APIs and interfaces. Such a model has already facilitated significant market share for Antaris in the commercial low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite sector across Asia and is now expanding into other critical global markets.
“Antaris is making a major investment in establishing business operations in Saudi Arabia,” stated Tom Barton, Co-Founder and CEO of Antaris. “We see tremendous opportunity in the Kingdom”s rapidly expanding space sector and broader industrial economy. Saudi Excellence has been a critical partner in advising, assisting, and opening doors to new business opportunities and collaborations in the Kingdom.”
Barton further elaborated to Asharq Al-Awsat, stating that according to the Kingdom”s Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST), the value of the Saudi space economy is projected to reach approximately $9 billion in 2024, with expectations to grow to around $32 billion by 2035. This growth is integral to the Kingdom”s Vision 2030 initiative. In addition to fostering direct economic activity, the space economy is anticipated to generate export opportunities. Antaris and Saudi Excellence are already collaborating on individual satellite constellation projects valued as high as $1 billion.
Barton also mentioned the significance of the Future Investment Initiative (FII), which has a record of successfully uniting global leaders to establish investment priorities and make progress on specific deals. “The FII “Investment Day” is particularly focused on deal-making. Saudi Excellence and Antaris are aligned with the FII”s key priorities, with AI being a central focus, and Antaris offers the first AI for Space platform,” he said.
The ninth edition of the FII concluded on Thursday. As a part of the Lockheed Martin Ventures portfolio, Antaris benefits from Lockheed Martin”s strong reputation and established presence in Saudi Arabia.
“Saudi Excellence and Antaris expect strong Saudi-U.S. cooperation in the space industry. The overall relationship between the two countries regarding technology and defense collaboration is robust, and we anticipate further advancements as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman plans a visit with U.S. President Donald Trump in mid-November,” Barton remarked.
Abdullah bin Zaid Al-Mullahi, Chairman of the Saudi Excellence Holding Company, emphasized the importance of their partnership with Antaris, stating, “Our collaboration represents a significant step in advancing the Kingdom”s sovereign space capabilities.” He added that this alliance will help nurture a competitive domestic manufacturing supply chain, create opportunities for Saudi enterprises, and accelerate the Kingdom”s progress toward its Vision 2030 goals in technology and innovation.
The agreement also builds upon Saudi Excellence”s highlighted role in a White House announcement earlier this year, further solidifying the company”s status as a trusted partner in enhancing the Kingdom”s sovereign satellite capabilities.
