Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qatar officially inaugurated its Space Radio Monitoring Center (SRMC) in a ceremony led by His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, Minister of Communications and Information Technology. The launch marks a key step in strengthening Qatar’s ability to manage and regulate space radio frequencies.
The inauguration, held alongside the 28th meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee for Posts and Telecommunications and the 8th GCC e-Government Ministerial Committee, was attended by communications ministers from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and senior officials from Qatar and international organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The SRMC, developed by Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA), showcases Qatar’s commitment to enhancing its satellite communications infrastructure and ensuring an interference-free spectrum for satellite operations.
Space radio communication relies on frequencies transmitted between ground stations and satellites for downlinks (space to Earth) and uplinks (Earth to space). With the launch of the SRMC, CRA has become the first regulatory body globally to implement the Mobile Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) Geolocation tool, which enables the tracking of mobile VSAT terminals. This advanced regulatory tool is designed to eliminate interference in satellite operations and ensure compliance with global standards.
The SRMC’s monitoring capabilities extend to both terrestrial and space transmissions, significantly enhancing Qatar’s position in global satellite communications. According to Engineer Ahmad Abdulla AlMuslemani, President of the CRA, the SRMC is one of only 16 such centers worldwide and the second in the region. “This center greatly strengthens Qatar’s ability to manage its space radio spectrum effectively, ensuring secure and stable satellite communication,” he said. “The SRMC plays a pivotal role across various sectors, supporting telecommunications and satellite services, while also contributing to economic growth and innovation.”
The SRMC aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030, reflecting Qatar’s commitment to technological advancement. Guests at the inauguration toured the SRMC’s cutting-edge facilities, including the antenna farm, mobile monitoring station, and drone spectrum monitoring system. These technologies enhance CRA’s capacity to identify and resolve interference issues, maintaining stable satellite communication.
Located in Markhiyat Al Darb and covering 20,000 square meters, the SRMC is equipped with an advanced control center, mobile monitoring station, and drone monitoring unit. This integrated system ensures uninterrupted satellite communications, reinforcing Qatar’s role as a leader in global satellite communication infrastructure.