Strategic Site Selection for Constructing a Space Center and Spacecraft Launch Station in Saudi Arabia: A Multi-criteria Evaluation
摘要
The selection of a strategic site for constructing a space center and spacecraft launch station is essential for advancing Saudi Arabia’s space exploration capabilities. A well-planned location ensures operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability. This study aims to identify an optimal site that meets international engineering practices by evaluating environmental conditions, construction feasibility, transportation accessibility, security measures, and sustainability. Three sites were shortlisted for comparison: Jabal Hassan Island, Abo Ali Island, and Mastura Village. A multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework was applied to ensure a structured and objective assessment. The methodology involved geospatial data analysis, environmental assessments, soil investigations, and transportation analysis. Satellite imagery examined land stability, while climate reports provided insight into weather conditions. Geotechnical studies and transportation networks were evaluated for accessibility. Security measures were analyzed based on site remoteness, natural barriers, and risk factors. The evaluation applied weighted criteria, assigning 30% each to environmental conditions and construction feasibility and 20% each to accessibility, transportation, and security measures. The results showed that Mastura Village achieved the highest score of 90.7, followed by Jabal Hassan Island at 68.3 and Abo Ali Island at 61.3. The findings align with international benchmarks and provide a solid foundation for future aerospace development in Saudi Arabia.