Neo Space Group (NSG), a company owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), has officially launched the Earth Observation (EO) Marketplace, the Kingdom’s first dedicated platform for EO data. Developed in collaboration with UP42 – a fully owned subsidiary of NSG – the marketplace addresses the rising demand for advanced Earth observation and geospatial data solutions.
Data Providers, Service Experts
The EO Marketplace aims to connect a broad ecosystem of EO data providers with value-added service providers, offering users powerful geospatial analytics and data processing capabilities. Additionally, it is tailored to serve public sector agencies, Saudi businesses, and international customers with access to a wide range of high-resolution satellite imagery and EO data products.
Described as a “one-stop shop,” the platform is designed to simplify access to EO solutions, empowering solution developers and service providers while meeting the evolving needs of government entities within Saudi Arabia.
Supporting Vision 2030 and Key Economic Sectors
The platform is set to broaden the availability of EO data across critical sectors, including:
- Environment
- Infrastructure
- Energy
- Real Estate
- Mining
- Transportation
- Logistics
- Agriculture
Moreover, this initiative directly supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to transform the Kingdom’s economy and technological landscape.
This launch follows NSG’s recent acquisition of UP42 GmbH from Airbus, initially announced in December 2024. UP42 is a next-generation digital EO platform that leverages cloud computing to offer streamlined access to and analysis of EO data.
Leadership Perspectives on the Launch
Martijn Blanken, CEO of Neo Space Group, commented:
“The launch of the EO Marketplace reflects the Kingdom’s remarkable trajectory of growth and the increasing demand for EO data. Today, more than ever, EO data plays a pivotal role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s transformational Vision 2030 — from infrastructure development and urban expansion to optimized resource management. Given the Kingdom’s vast geography, spanning over 2.15 million square kilometers, nearly the size of Western Europe, this platform will serve as both a valuable marketplace and decision-making tool across a wide range of sectors.”
Frank Salzgeber, Acting Deputy Governor of the Space Sector at the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), added:
“Value creation is shifting downstream in the EO supply chain, where AI technologies intersect with space data. The market is now at a perfect inflection point.”
He emphasized that the platform will boost the adoption of space technologies within the Kingdom while advancing national priorities such as technological innovation, regulatory compliance, and secure infrastructure development.
NSG also acknowledged the pivotal role of CST in the platform’s development, expressing gratitude for its continuous guidance and support — from licensing and enabling the marketplace to ensuring strategic alignment with national objectives.
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