Analysys Mason – The Viability of Space Sovereignty Depends on the Partnership Path, May 2025

The viability of space sovereignty depends on the partnership path.

The document examines the concept of space sovereignty, particularly in the context of owning low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites for applications such as communication and Earth observation. It focuses on how governments can benefit from owning such satellites to achieve national autonomy and strategic control over digital infrastructure. Key findings include the need to consider technical constraints and commercial realities for implementing sovereign LEO satellite strategies. Partnership strategies play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges. An example is Saudi Arabia, which aims to expand broadband access in remote areas and develop a regional space economy as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. The analysis using the NCAT5 toolkit highlights the complex balance between autonomy, efficiency, and economic sustainability.