Neo Space Group (NSG) is a new player in the space industry in the Middle East, looking to champion Saudi Arabia’s space industry. Backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Neo Space Group has ambitions to bring the benefits of the latest satellite technology throughout Saudi Arabia. In this week’s Thursday Morning Conversation, Neo Space Group’s recently appointed CEO Martijn Blanken joins for a conversation about the company’s goals.

The company was started as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 national program to diversify the nation’s economy. It has a broad mandate in the space industry, across satellite communications, geospatial, and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), as well as a venture capital arm to invest in space startups. In a new Thursday Morning Conversation (TMC), we talk to Blanken about his hopes and aspirations for NSG and what kind of impact the PIF-backed company can have in the global satellite market.

Via Satellite‘s Thursday Morning Conversations feature casual conversations with top executives and all-stars in the satellite community. In addition to what’s happening in the business of satellite, TMCs dig into what’s happening outside the office. Favorite TV show, first music concert, preferred late night snack — nothing is off the table in Thursday Morning Conversations! Catch up on all of the previous Via Satellite TMCs right here.