Martijn Blanken on Aviation's Next Frontier
Leading NSG into this new era is CEO Martijn Blanken — a seasoned executive whose career in digital infrastructure and investment has prepared him for the complexities of the space economy. Under his guidance, NSG is charting a course to become a major player in satellite communications, geospatial observation, and remote sensing, all while building a sustainable and scalable business model.
“We sat down with Blanken to discuss leadership, strategy, and the future of space as a thriving commercial sector.
You’ve had a distinguished career in telecoms and technology. What drew you to the space industry?
I’ve always been fascinated by industries undergoing rapid transformation, especially those that blend technological innovation with real-world impact. The space industry today reminds me of telecommunications in the late 1990s — massive disruption, huge opportunities, and immense potential for growth. When I joined NSG, I realized we weren’t just entering a market; we were helping to shape one.
Saudi Vision 2030 opened the door to rethink what’s possible. Being part of that journey, and contributing to a national economic shift, is both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
What is NSG’s core mission within the broader goals of Vision 2030?
to be a national champion for Saudi Arabia and an international leader in the space economy. That means building indigenous capabilities while competing globally. We're not just launching satellites; we're laying the foundation for an entire ecosystem — from research and development to operations, analytics, and future applications.
We see ourselves as catalysts. Our goal is to make space more accessible, not only for governments but also for private enterprises and emerging economies. That aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s diversification strategy and our own long-term vision.
How do you approach building such an ambitious enterprise from the ground up?
You can’t build Rome in a day, and you certainly can’t launch a space economy overnight. We follow a methodical approach: crawl, walk, run, sprint, fly. Right now, we're focused on crawling — establishing core competencies in satellite operations, data analytics, and ground infrastructure. But every step builds momentum.
We’re already a team of over 500 people with revenues around $100 million. Those numbers will grow, but more importantly, our influence and technical capabilities will expand. In time, we plan to venture into manufacturing, space-based services, and even inter-satellite communication networks. This is just the beginning.
As a leader, how do you ensure NSG remains competitive in such a fast-moving field?
Leadership in the space economy isn’t just about having the latest technology — it’s about fostering the right culture. Talent is our most valuable asset, and we’re committed to creating an environment where people feel empowered to innovate.
I believe that attracting top-tier talent starts with offering a compelling mission, not just a paycheck. People want to work on things that matter. When they understand that their work contributes to national progress and global advancement, engagement soars.
Equally critical is agility. We operate like a tech startup within a larger framework. Fast decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and a customer-first mindset are embedded in our DNA. That allows us to respond quickly to market shifts and emerging opportunities.
What role does innovation play in NSG’s strategic roadmap?
Innovation is the lifeblood of any successful space venture. But true innovation isn’t just about R&D — it’s about solving problems others haven’t yet identified. For us, that means developing smarter ways to collect, process, and utilize geospatial data. It means designing systems that are scalable, secure, and interoperable across borders and platforms.
We’re investing heavily in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and edge computing to extract maximum value from our satellite constellations. These technologies will enable real-time insights for sectors like agriculture, urban planning, defense, and climate monitoring.
Innovation also extends to partnerships. We collaborate with universities, research institutions, and private companies worldwide. The challenges we face are too complex for any single entity to solve alone.
Looking ahead to 2030, what does success look like for NSG?
By 2030, we aim to be recognized as a global leader in satellite services and geospatial intelligence. More than that, we want to be synonymous with reliability, innovation, and impact. We’re targeting significant revenue growth, geographic expansion, and a diversified portfolio of services.
But financial success alone isn’t enough. We measure our impact by how much value we create — for our customers, our partners, and our nation. If we can help solve critical global challenges — from food security to disaster response — then we’ll have achieved something truly meaningful.
What advice would you give other executives considering entry into the space economy?
First, don’t underestimate the complexity. This isn’t just about launching rockets or deploying satellites. There are regulatory hurdles, geopolitical dynamics, and supply chain considerations unique to this sector. Do your homework.
Second, think long-term. Space ventures require patience and persistence. Returns may not come quickly, but when they do, they can be substantial.
Finally, invest in people. Technology changes fast, but great teams endure. Build a culture that attracts the best minds and gives them room to grow. That’s the only way to sustain innovation over time.
- Any final thoughts on the future of space as a business domain?
- We’re standing at the dawn of a new age — not just for exploration, but for enterprise. Fifteen years from now, space will be as integral to business operations as cloud computing or mobile connectivity is today.
Companies will rely on space-based data for decision-making. Governments will use it for policy formulation. And emerging economies will leverage it for leapfrog development.
At NSG, we’re not just watching this future unfold — we’re actively shaping it. And that, for me, is what makes this role so exciting.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.*
