HALO Space announces localisation plans in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: HALO Space, a global leader in near-space tourism, has announced the establishment of final assembly and testing facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This milestone, revealed during an exclusive media event in Riyadh, marks a significant step forward in HALO’s strategic partnership with the Kingdom as it continues to pioneer the emerging space tourism sector.

The announcement was made by Carlos Mira, CEO of HALO Space, who also confirmed the upcoming test flight, scheduled for the end of September in Saudi Arabia. Mira emphasised the importance of this new facility as part of HALO’s long-term strategy to further establish Saudi Arabia as a global hub for near-space activities.

He was followed by Thomas Kuruvilla, Managing Partner at Arthur D. Little (ADL), who highlighted the immense potential of the near-space sector for the Kingdom and how it aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 goals.

Carlos Mira commented: “The decision to localise industrial capabilities, like the space capsule final assembly and testing facilities, a space port and an immersive experience dome recreating the HALO stratospheric flights in Saudi Arabia, is a reflection of the Kingdom’s favourable business

environment and ideal conditions for near-space activities. We believe that Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to take a leadership role in the near-space sector, and we are excited to continue building this partnership as we move forward with our mission.”

Thomas Kuruvilla added: “HALO Space’s presence in Saudi Arabia presents significant opportunities for the local economy, particularly in the tourism and space sectors. This initiative

aligns perfectly with Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and position the Kingdom as a leader in the new space economy. We believe that HALO’s investment here will accelerate the development of a thriving ecosystem around near-space tourism, bringing high-value jobs and new business opportunities.”

HALO Space’s new facilities will complement its flagship operational base in Saudi Arabia and contribute to the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a global hub for technological innovation and economic diversification.

The announcement comes ahead of HALO Space’s upcoming test flight, scheduled for late September, which will see its real-size prototype capsule, Aurora, undergo rigorous testing at an altitude of 30 kilometres. This unmanned flight will validate the integrated operation of the capsule’s critical systems, developed over the past three years, as part of HALO’s ongoing commitment to safety and innovation.

Looking ahead, HALO remains focused on completing its test flight programme and is on track to begin commercial operations in 2026, providing thousands of passengers with the opportunity to experience near-space travel by 2030.