Manama : The National Space Science Agency (NSSA) successfully hosted the second edition of its Space Forum on the sidelines of the Bahrain International Airshow 2024. The event brought together prominent experts, legal scholars, and industry leaders to discuss critical topics shaping the global space sector.
This year’s forum focused on the role of space law in fostering responsible exploration and investment, and the application of space technologies to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Middle East. These sessions highlighted Bahrain’s active contribution to space governance and its strategic role in leveraging space science for sustainability.
The first panel explored the importance of developing comprehensive national and international space laws to regulate the rapidly expanding space sector. Experts highlighted challenges in establishing cohesive legal frameworks and emphasised the need for international cooperation to ensure sustainable and peaceful space exploration.
The panel was moderated by Rosanna Margarita Hoffmann, Associate Legal Officer at the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), with contributions from prominent figures, including Shaikha Hesa bint Ali Al Khalifa, Senior Legal Researcher at NSSA; Dr. Marlène M. Losier, Principal and Legal Expert in International Law; and Professor Sergio Marchisio, a leading academic from the University Sapienza of Rome. Shaikha Hesa shared Bahrain’s progress in drafting its national space law and outlined the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering international collaboration in space governance.
The second panel addressed how space technologies can accelerate progress toward achieving the UN SDGs in the Middle East. Discussions centred on the role of remote sensing, satellite communications, and Earth observation in addressing sustainability challenges such as climate change, water resource management, and disaster response.
Moderated by Pieter van Beekhuizen, Director of Bexperience Space Consultancy Services, the session featured keynote speaker Dr. Simonetta Di Pippo, a leading expert in space economy, alongside other panellists, including Roaya Rashid Bubshait, Head of Geospatial Analytics at NSSA. Bubshait highlighted Bahrain’s success in utilising geospatial analytics to support Vision 2030, showcasing how satellite data drives sustainable agriculture and informed policymaking.
Inspiring collaboration and innovation Dr. Mohamed Ebrahim AlAseeri, CEO of NSSA, remarked on the significance of the forum, saying, “The Space Forum unites diverse perspectives, inspires innovation, and fosters collaboration to address global challenges and harness the boundless opportunities in space.” He stressed Bahrain’s dedication to advancing its presence in the space sector and contributing to regional and international efforts in space governance and sustainability.
The Space Forum continues to serve as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation, reinforcing Bahrain’s growing role in the global space community and its commitment to fostering sustainable development through space science.
