Saudi Arabia launch 2 communication satellites in 2013 and 2015

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is set to launch two communication satellites in 2013 and 2015, it was announced here today on the sidelines of the International Saudi Conference on Space and Aviation Technology 2012, currently being held in Riyadh, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. Turki bin Saud bin Mohammed, Deputy President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) for Research Institutes Affairs, said In a key paper at the conference titled ‘Society and Space Knowledge: Saudi Arabia’s National Plan on Science, Technology and Innovation’, the plan focuses on development of natural resources and research, citing water, environment, water desalination, use of solar energy technology, use of bio technology on genetic engineering research, camel genetic map, and electronic technologies sector. He said KACST shares distinguished relations with renowned research institutes in the U.S., UK, China, Russia, South Africa, India, Germany, and Switzerland in collaboration with a number of local universities, including King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University, King Abdullah University for Science and Technology and Ummal Qura University.