Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Saudi Space Agency launched the Madar Al-Athar Award to honor outstanding contributions of non-profit organizations operating in the space sector within the Kingdom.

The agency clarified that submission of entries for the award started on Sunday, July 6, and will continue until September 30. The evaluation phase will be held from October until the end of November and the winners will be announced on December 4. Interested parties are invited to register through the agency's official website: https://ssa.gov.sa.

The award aims to promote innovation and stimulate pioneering initiatives that align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and contribute to achieving sustainable growth for the national space sector.

The award also to highlight the unique initiatives of non-profit organizations, highlight their scientific and societal impact, and encourage the submission of innovative initiatives that embody excellence and reflect the spirit of creativity.

The award comes as an extension of the agency's efforts to consolidate the Kingdom's global position in the space sector, through the launch of a series of pioneering strategic initiatives, most notably the "Madak Space" initiative, which enabled Saudi and Arab students to design and undertake scientific experiments, that have already sent to the International Space Station. The initiatives also include the "Raising awareness and knowledge of space and its sciences" initiative, which provides inspiring scientific content that enhances passion for science, in addition to the astronomical photography competition, titled "Dimensions", which highlights the aesthetics of the universe through the lenses of creatives.

These initiatives confirm the agency's pioneering role in supporting the knowledge economy and strengthening the Kingdom's presence as a global destination in the field of space.