Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing industries, including the emerging field of space telecommunications, known as Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). At a recent conference in Riyadh, industry leaders explored the potential of NTNs to offer global connectivity, aid climate understanding, manage disasters, and enhance resource utilization. While NTNs face regulatory challenges due to treaties like the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, they hold promise for the extraction of valuable space resources and the future of a multi-planetary society. NTNs are essential for global connectivity, as demonstrated by a reduction in the number of people without reliable internet access. They also provide crucial data for environmental and resource management. However, NTNs require advanced coordination, which AI can provide to handle the rapid increase in satellite launches and the vast data they generate. The number of civilian satellites is set to rise substantially, demanding AI's capacity for management and analysis. The Riyadh conference aimed to ensure fair NTN access and address challenges such as space debris.

Participants stressed the need for regulations to prevent catastrophic satellite collisions. NTNs involve a variety of assets, including Low-Earth Orbit and geostationary satellites, as well as High-Altitude Platform Systems like planes and drones. The latter offers cost-effective, stationary connectivity solutions. The U. S. currently dominates space with companies like Starlink and Amazon's Kuiper, but other countries are keen to secure NTN access. Eutelsat, for example, is expanding its satellite network with plans by the EU to launch additional satellites. Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in space initiatives as part of its Vision 2030 program. Having launched 17 satellites since 2000, the Kingdom aims to spend over $2. 1 billion more to build satellite constellations and establish itself as a leading NTN provider while ensuring fair access through strong regulation.