#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #Neo Space Group #UP42 #Airbus Defence

Neo Space Group Completes UP42 Acquisition

On July 10, 2025, Neo Space Group (NSG), Saudi Arabia’s leading provider of commercial space services, made headlines by successfully completing its acquisition of the Earth Observation platform UP42 from Airbus Defence and Space. This strategic move, first announced in December 2024, marks a significant milestone for NSG, allowing it to integrate UP42’s advanced geospatial assets into its existing operations.

The acquisition is poised to greatly enhance NSG’s market position and technological expertise. By incorporating UP42's capabilities, NSG aims to expand its global reach and provide more innovative geospatial solutions for its customers and partners. With UP42 now a core part of NSG, both organizations are better situated to meet the growing demands of the space services industry.

Martijn Blanken, CEO of Neo Space Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the integration, stating, "We are thrilled to officially welcome UP42 into Neo Space Group. It’s a pivotal moment for us, strengthening our position as one of the leading players in the geospatial domain. Together, we’re committed to advancing the sector, delivering impactful solutions that power businesses and benefit key industries in Saudi Arabia and worldwide."

On the other side of the union, Sean Wiid, CEO of UP42, emphasized the ongoing commitment to their customers, saying, "Now a core pillar of the Neo Space Group team, we are strengthening our commitment to continuity and broadening the reach for our valued partners and their geospatial products. Our existing services and dedication to our customers continue unchanged. This union advances our mission to streamline Earth observation data access and management at scale. This helps our customers solve complex real-world problems and drives positive global impact."

With this acquisition, NSG not only enhances its capabilities but also aligns itself with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, which focus on developing national space infrastructure, localizing high-tech skills, and fostering a thriving commercial space economy. The partnership expects to stimulate innovation and create new opportunities in the geospatial sector, which is crucial for various applications, including climate monitoring, urban planning, and disaster response.

The full integration of UP42’s technology into NSG is projected to accelerate the pace of growth and innovation. As the competition in the space services market intensifies, NSG is well-positioned to leverage its new assets and partnerships to deliver even more valuable services to its expanding customer base around the globe. The commitment to progress in the geospatial field reflects a promising future, underpinned by the shared vision of transforming how Earth observation data is accessed and utilized.

With its state-of-the-art technology and an expanded team of experts in Earth observation, the Neo Space Group is set to redefine the industry's standards and contribute significantly to the commercial space landscape—ushering in a new age of geospatial data applications that can address urgent global challenges.