Taqnia Space

What Taqnia Space does

Taqnia Space Company is a Saudi Arabian aerospace and satellite services firm established in 2011 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of TAQNIA (Saudi Technology Development and Investment Company), itself owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Headquartered in Riyadh with 51–100 employees, the company owns and operates dedicated High Throughput Satellite (HTS) infrastructure — notably Saudigeosat 1 (Ka-band HTS at 39°E with 64 fixed beams and 30 GHz capacity, launched 2019 with a 15-year design life) — and co-owns ARABSAT 6D at 44.5°E with KACST and Arabsat. It was established by royal decree and is strategically partnered with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), positioning the business as a core national aerospace asset under Saudi Vision 2030.

The company runs a vertically integrated model spanning satellite manufacturing, terminal hardware, and service delivery. Core product lines include aviation in-flight connectivity (Ka-band HTS supporting broadband above 50 Mbps), maritime and railway Communication-on-the-Move services, secure government SATCOM, UAV ISR connectivity, geospatial and GEOINT/IMINT services (satellite imagery, LiDAR, change detection), broadcast uplink/downlink/turnaround, and telemedicine and e-learning solutions. Manufacturing capability is delivered through joint ventures with Skyware Technologies and Crescent Technologies (HTS Ka terminals) and partnerships with DigitalGlobe and KACST for a planned constellation of six or more sub-meter (80 cm) resolution imaging satellites. Dual-band (Ka/Ku) aero antenna terminals carry EASA/FAA Supplemental Type Certificates across Airbus A320/A321/A330 and Boeing B737/B777-300/B787 airframes.

Revenue is generated through four streams: managed satellite connectivity services under long-term enterprise and government SLAs (including an exclusive in-flight connectivity partnership with Saudi Arabian Airlines), hardware sales of satellite terminals and STC certification services, data monetization of imaging capacity within the KACST communication cone, and global HTS Ka terminal sales through the Skyware/Crescent/KACST joint venture. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales and B2G, with distribution supported by DigitalGlobe's global imagery network; pricing is negotiated contractually with no publicly disclosed rates. Cumulative disclosed capital investment exceeds US$650 million for satellite manufacture, launch, and orbital testing.

Name

Taqnia Space

Legal name

Taqnia Space Company

Website

https://taqniaspace.com.sa

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Taqnia Space is a PIF-owned Saudi satellite services company providing High Throughput Satellite connectivity, geospatial intelligence, and satellite manufacturing for aviation, maritime, railway, government, and defense customers across MENA, Europe, and beyond.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Satellite Communications and Geospatial Services

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Satellite Telecommunications (517410), Space Research and Technology (92711)

SIC

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Satellite Mobility Connectivity (Maritime, Aviation, Rail, Land Mobile) (HDAIAJAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Satellite Broadband Internet Access (Consumer/SMB) (HDAIAJAA), Satellite Wholesale Capacity & Backhaul (transponder/HTS capacity, teleport services) (HDAIAEAJ), Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE) (HDAFAIAM), Space Payloads & Instruments (Sensors, Comms, EO/IR) (IMABACAD)

Keywords

• Satellite connectivity services
• High throughput satellite
• In-flight connectivity
• Geospatial intelligence services
• Satellite terminal manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Riyadh

HQ country

Saudi Arabia

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Satellite Connectivity Services: TAQNIA SPACE provides satellite-based broadband internet, voice calling, and live-TV services to aviation, maritime, and railway customers. Services are delivered via owned and operated HTS satellite assets and include dedicated capacity pools backed by SLAs. Revenue is generated through long-term service contracts with airlines, maritime operators, and government entities.
2. Satellite Equipment Manufacturing and STC Services: TAQNIA SPACE manufactures satellite terminals and provides Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) services for aircraft (EASA/FAA) covering Airbus A320/A321/A330 and Boeing B737/B777-300/B787 airframes. Equipment sales and certification services generate one-time and recurring revenue.
3. Geospatial and Imagery Data Services: Revenue from marketing and monetizing satellite imaging capacity through the small imaging satellite constellation developed in partnership with DigitalGlobe and KACST. TAQNIA SPACE markets 50% of capacity within the KACST communication cone (Saudi Arabia and surrounding region), with shared commercially generated revenue.
4. HTS Ka Terminal Manufacturing: Through a joint venture with Skyware Technologies, Crescent, and KACST, TAQNIA SPACE manufactures and markets the first Saudi high throughput satellite terminals, serving both satellite service providers and operators in MENA and worldwide.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

TAQNIA SPACE provides satellite-based broadband connectivity and managed HTS services for aviation, maritime, railway, government, education, healthcare, and UAV applications, leveraging owned Ka/Ku-band HTS satellites (SGS-1, ARABSAT 6D) and teleport infrastructure. It also delivers end-to-end geospatial intelligence (GEOINT/IMINT, LiDAR, remote sensing) and manufactures HTS Ka satellite terminals through a joint venture with Skyware, Crescent, and KACST.

Product overview

TAQNIA SPACE is a Saudi Arabian satellite services company and subsidiary of TAQNIA (Technology Development and Investment Company), providing High Throughput Satellites (HTS) solutions and integrated terminal solutions across the Middle East, North Africa, and worldwide. The portfolio comprises sector-specific connectivity services (Aviation, Maritime, Railway, Government, Education, Healthcare, UAV Solutions), geospatial and remote sensing services, broadcast uplink services, and satellite manufacturing. Core satellite assets include Saudigeosat 1 (SGS-1) at 39°E and the ARABSAT 6D satellite, with additional satellite programs under development through partnerships with KACST, Arabsat, DigitalGlobe, Skyware, and Crescent Technologies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Aviation Connectivity Services Ka-band HTS in-flight connectivity service for commercial airlines, providing broadband internet (exceeding 50 Mbps), voice calling, and live-TV services across MENA, Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, and Southeast Asia; delivered via TAQNIA SPACE's owned SGS-1 and ARABSAT 6D satellites.
• Maritime Connectivity Services Satellite mobile connectivity services for maritime vessels including passenger cruise lines, petroleum and cargo transport, naval vessels, coastal security, and emergency response; delivered through dedicated capacity pools backed by SLAs via global HTS satellite network.
• Railway Connectivity Services Communication on the Move (COTM) satellite services providing broadband internet, live TV, and voice/GSM connectivity for high-speed trains, plus signaling systems connectivity and railway infrastructure monitoring (stability monitoring, subsidence analysis, landslide prevention, tracking and surveillance).
• Geospatial Services End-to-end geospatial and intelligence services including remote sensing, satellite imagery processing, LiDAR, GIS solutions, geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), and image intelligence (IMINT) for decision-makers and security agencies.
• Government Solutions Secure SATCOM network solutions for government and defense operations with high-grade encryption, providing VoIP, videoconferencing, video surveillance, real-time streaming, and broadband connectivity for military applications.
• Education Solutions Satellite-based educational solutions optimized for remote facilities, delivering interactive learning, distance learning, virtual classrooms, and eLearning applications to underprivileged educational facilities.
• Healthcare Telemedicine Solutions Satellite-based telemedicine and telecare services providing broadband connectivity for rural healthcare, diagnostic data transmission, video conferencing, electronic medical records, decision support tools, and remote healthcare delivery.
• UAV Solutions Ka-band HTS satellite connectivity for unmanned aerial vehicles, enabling higher data rates to support ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), video intelligence, and mission-critical communications with high availability.
• Uplink Services (Broadcast and Datacom) End-to-end broadcast and datacom solutions including Satellite Uplink, Satellite Downlink, and Turnaround services from teleport facilities in Saudi Arabia connected via multiple diverse fiber rings and redundant 10G circuits, with coverage across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
• Small Imaging Satellites Constellation Constellation of six or more sub-meter resolution imaging satellites with 80 cm resolution capability, developed in partnership with KACST and DigitalGlobe to serve global commercial satellite imagery and geospatial information customers, with shared capacity rights between KACST, DigitalGlobe, and TAQNIA SPACE.
• HTS Ka Satellite Terminals Innovative High Throughput Satellite Ka-band terminal products manufactured through the joint venture with Skyware Technologies, Crescent Technologies, and KACST, including a dual-band (Ka/Ku) Aero Terminal for mounting on aircraft fuselage; marketed globally to satellite service providers and operators in MENA and worldwide.

Quantifiable outcome

• Passengers flying over MENA/Europe can receive broadband speeds exceeding 50 Mbps
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered notable and core.

• INTRA Defense TechnologiesnotableStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 July 2022Taqnia Space Company signed a partnership with INTRA Defense Technologies including linking unmanned aircraft systems with satellites and developing the technical infrastructure related to airborne space communication systems. This partnership strengthens TAQNIA SPACE's UAV solutions capabilities by integrating satellite connectivity with unmanned aerial vehicle operations.
• Star.Vision HangzhoucoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 July 2022Taqnia Space signed an MoU with Star.Vision Hangzhou to collaborate on the development of innovative space technologies, satellites, AI technologies, and geospatial products. The MOU establishes a framework for collaborative R&D to introduce localized innovative services and products supporting the strategic space and geospatial industry in Saudi Arabia and the region. Al-Farraj noted that as the leading geospatial company in Saudi Arabia, Taqnia ETS was keen to collaborate with Star.Vision in product-driven R&D exploring AI utilization for high-resolution geospatial products compatible with Saudi Arabia's unique topography.
• Arabsat (Arab Satellite Communications Organization)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 March 2017Taqnia Space and Arabsat signed a satellite manufacturing agreement for ARABSAT 6D (also called 6-D) to be placed at orbital position 44.5° East, co-owned by KACST and Arabsat. The satellite will provide all Ka and Ku satellite telecommunication services including internet, fixed and mobile TV broadcasting, and satellite services on board aircraft. This partnership builds on an earlier one for SGS-1 at 39° East. The CEO of TAQNIA Space noted this satellite comes as a result of a development plan following ARABSAT 5C and SGS-1.
• Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2017Saudi Arabian Airlines signed a strategic partnership with TAQNIA SPACE exclusively to provide Saudia's fleet with broadband internet access, voice calling, and live-TV services. This was the first in-flight connectivity service of its kind in the MENA region, covering all Saudia flights including long-haul and domestic routes. The partnership was part of Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 and Saudia's transformation program (2020) involving fleet modernization and privatization.
• DigitalGlobe and KACSTcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 February 2016TAQNIA SPACE and KACST and DigitalGlobe signed an agreement on February 21, 2016, to form a joint venture responsible for developing six or more sub-meter resolution imaging satellites with anticipated 80 cm resolution. KACST will construct, integrate, and launch the satellites and own 50% of imaging capacity within Saudi Arabia and surrounding region. DigitalGlobe will have rights to the other 50% within the region and 100% outside the region. TAQNIA SPACE is responsible for marketing and monetizing 50% of capacity within the KACST cone. All three parties share commercially generated revenue.
• Skyware Technologies, Crescent Technologies, and KACSTcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTAQNIA SPACE formed a joint venture with Skyware Technologies and Crescent Technologies, with KACST as technology partner, to be a global manufacturer of satellite equipment. The initial focus is on manufacturing an innovative HTS Ka terminal for high throughput satellite fleets worldwide — the first Saudi high throughput satellite terminals. Skyware Technologies brings expertise in developing sophisticated satellite terminals for government and military use. The JV aims to establish and market satellite terminals serving both satellite service providers and operators in MENA and worldwide.
• King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTAQNIA SPACE is a subsidiary of TAQNIA (Saudi Technology Development and Investment Company) established by royal decree and owned by PIF. TAQNIA has a strategic partnership with KACST under which KACST provides studies, information related to products and services, registered rights, and technical support. KACST specialists participate as key partners in technology, research, and development for TAQNIA SPACE's satellite projects including Saudigeosat 1 and ARABSAT 6D. KACST is co-owner of both satellites.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Taqnia_Space
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• Facebookfacebook.com/TaqniaSpace
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/taqnia-space
• Instagraminstagram.com/accounts/login/?next=/taqnia_space

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Taqnia Space