iRocket and SpaceBelt forge $640m deal to launch secure Gulf space network

• The ultimate goal is to build a secure, sovereign, and autonomous communications infrastructure stretching across Saudi Arabia and the GCC.

iRocket, the US company behind the reusable Shockwave launch vehicle, has just inked a game-changing multi-year partnership with SpaceBelt KSA, a Saudi-based leader in space logistics and satellite security.

The deal, valued at up to $640 million, puts both companies right at the crossroads of cutting-edge technology and national ambition across the Gulf region.

Under the agreement, iRocket will support up to 30 upcoming satellite launches for SpaceBelt KSA, providing not only their advanced propulsion technology but also mission planning and full integration services.

The ultimate goal? To build a secure, sovereign, and autonomous communications infrastructure stretching across Saudi Arabia and the GCC.

Timing couldn’t be more strategic. Saudi Arabia is doubling down on its Vision 2030 plan—an ambitious roadmap to redefine the Kingdom’s leadership in both space and defense sectors.

A breakthrough moment

For iRocket, this partnership is a breakthrough moment, giving them vital access to the Gulf market and demonstrating a quickly intensifying global demand for launch platforms that can serve both commercial and security purposes.

Asad Malik, iRocket’s CEO, summed up the spirit of the partnership: “This opportunity places us in the driver’s seat for one of the region’s most forward-thinking space projects. Our agreement with SpaceBelt affirms the worldwide trend toward secure, scalable space access, as countries and corporations seek to advance their communications and surveillance capabilities.”

Cliff Beek, CEO of SpaceBelt KSA, noted, “This step is vital to our goal of becoming a regional and global force in secure space operations. Working with iRocket brings us closer to building the Kingdom’s sovereign space-based infrastructure, which is key to supporting defense, business, and diplomatic interests.”

Realising Vision 2030

Highlighting the partnership’s impact on Saudi Arabia’s broader economic and technological ambitions, Eng. Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, SpaceBelt KSA’s Co-Founder and Chairman, said, “Partnering with top innovators like iRocket will help create high-skilled jobs, attract international interest, and further secure our place as a Gulf leader in space. This is all part of realising Vision 2030 and driving meaningful economic diversification.”

The scope of the deal is broad and future-facing. Beyond simply launching satellites, iRocket’s role covers launch vehicle integration, propulsion systems, and comprehensive mission planning for up to 30 major orbital launches.

It includes several satellite constellation deployments that will form the backbone of a robust, resilient, and autonomous Gulf communications network. Even more, the partnership opens doors for joint technology testing and regional manufacturing, promising knowledge transfer and expanding the Gulf’s space-based capabilities for both government and business needs.