Bahrain's first satellite successfully deployed in orbit
The satellite has fully activated its solar panels and sensors and has successfully transmitted its first signal to ground stations, verifying its operational status, it said.
In a landmark moment for the Kingdom of Bahrain, NSSA successfully launched "Al Munther", the nation's first domestically designed and built satellite, onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Saturday (March 15) as part of the Transporter-13 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, US.
This historic achievement marks a significant milestone in Bahrain's journey towards becoming a regional leader in space technology and innovation, reported BNA.
The launch of "Al Munther" underscores the Kingdom's commitment to advancing its capabilities in space science and technology, while showcasing the expertise of Bahraini engineers and scientists, it stated.
"Al Munther" was successfully deployed into its designated orbit at an altitude of 550 km above sea level. The satellite will now undergo a series of orbital tests to ensure its operational readiness before commencing full-scale operations.
The NSSA is responsible for advancing Bahrain's space sector and fostering innovation in space science and technology. The agency works to develop national capabilities in space exploration, satellite technology, and space applications, contributing to Bahrain's sustainable development and economic diversification, said the BNA report.
NSSA said the satellite was equipped with advanced technological payloads, including a medium-resolution space camera (20 meters/pixel) designed to capture high-quality images of Bahrain and its territorial waters, an artificial intelligence (AI) system capable of real-time image analysis, making "Al Munther" the first nanosatellite in the region to incorporate such advanced AI capabilities, a cybersecurity payload featuring advanced encryption technologies to safeguard the satellite's data from unauthorised access or tampering, and a radio broadcast payload that will transmit the Bahraini national anthem and a special message from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, to radio enthusiasts worldwide.
One of the most distinctive features of "Al Munther" is its ability to broadcast the Bahraini national anthem and a royal message via digital signals.
These transmissions can be received by amateur radio operators and space enthusiasts around the globe using simple equipment. This initiative aims to promote Bahrain's space achievements and enhance its international presence in the field of space exploration.
NSSA Chief Executive Officer Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Al Aseeri, hailing the launch as a historic achievement for Bahrain, said the successful launch of 'Al Munther' represents an unprecedented milestone for the country in the field of space science.
"This accomplishment is a testament to the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the unwavering support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Prime Minister, and guidance of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor, Royal Guard Commander, and Secretary General of the Supreme Defence Council. This achievement reflects Bahrain's commitment to advancing its capabilities in space technology and innovation," he stated.
The "Al Munther" project has provided a unique opportunity for a team of young Bahraini engineers to gain hands-on experience in developing advanced space systems.
From mission concept development and engineering requirements to system design, software development, and environmental testing, the project has enabled Bahraini talent to contribute to every stage of the satellite's development, noted Al Aseeri.
According to him, the 'Al Munther' project represents a forward-looking national vision and a significant step towards localising space technology in Bahrain.
The Falcon 9 is one of the most frequently launched rockets, known for its reusable design that reduces the cost of space access. It is a two-stage, partially reusable launch vehicle measuring 70 meters in height and 3.7 meters in diameter. The rocket has a maximum payload capacity of 22,800 kilograms to low Earth orbit (LEO) and 8,300 kilograms to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). It is powered by RP-1 kerosene and liquid oxygen (LOX) fuel.
In a landmark moment for the Kingdom of Bahrain, the National Space Science Agency (NSSA) today (March 15) successfully launched "Al Munther", the nation's first domestically designed and built satellite onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-13 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, US.
This historic achievement marks a significant milestone in Bahrain's journey towards becoming a regional leader in space technology and innovation, reported BNA.
The launch of "Al Munther" underscores the Kingdom's commitment to advancing its capabilities in space science and technology, while showcasing the expertise of Bahraini engineers and scientists, it stated.
"Al Munther" was successfully deployed into its designated orbit at an altitude of 550 km above sea level. The satellite will now undergo a series of orbital tests to ensure its operational readiness before commencing full-scale operations.
The NSSA is responsible for advancing Bahrain's space sector and fostering innovation in space science and technology. The agency works to develop national capabilities in space exploration, satellite technology, and space applications, contributing to Bahrain's sustainable development and economic diversification, said the BNA report.
NSSA said the satellite was equipped with advanced technological payloads, including a medium-resolution space camera (20 meters/pixel) designed to capture high-quality images of Bahrain and its territorial waters, an artificial intelligence (AI) system capable of real-time image analysis, making "Al Munther" the first nanosatellite in the region to incorporate such advanced AI capabilities, a cybersecurity payload featuring advanced encryption technologies to safeguard the satellite's data from unauthorised access or tampering, and a radio broadcast payload that will transmit the Bahraini national anthem and a special message from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain, to radio enthusiasts worldwide.
One of the most distinctive features of "Al Munther" is its ability to broadcast the Bahraini national anthem and a royal message via digital signals.
These transmissions can be received by amateur radio operators and space enthusiasts around the globe using simple equipment. This initiative aims to promote Bahrain's space achievements and enhance its international presence in the field of space exploration.
NSSA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Aseeri, hailing the launch as a historic achievement for Bahrain, said the successful launch of 'Al Munther' represents an unprecedented milestone for the country in the field of space science.
Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sharjah 24
02-08-2025
- Sharjah 24
SpaceX Crew Dragon docks with International Space Station
"Docking confirmed!", SpaceX posted on social media, along with a video showing the spacecraft making contact with the ISS at 2:27 am Eastern Time (0627 GMT), far above the southeast Pacific Ocean. American astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japan's Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov are joining the ISS on a six-month mission. They lifted off Friday morning from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, their capsule mounted on a Falcon 9 rocket. It is the 11th crew rotation mission to the ISS under NASA's Commercial Crew Program, created to succeed the Space Shuttle era by partnering with private industry. "We have cold drinks, hot food, and us waiting -- see you soon," the ISS crew told the new arrivals shortly after contact, according to the posted video. "Hello Space Station -- Crew 11 is here and we are super excited to join," Fincke replied. As part of their stay, the Crew-11 astronauts will simulate Moon landing scenarios that could be encountered near the lunar South Pole under the US-led Artemis program.
Al Etihad
02-08-2025
- Al Etihad
NASA's SpaceX Crew-11 mission launches joint astronaut crew to International Space Station
2 Aug 2025 11:47 WASHINGTON (ALETIHAD)An international crew of four astronauts launched toward the International Space Station from Florida on Friday aboard a SpaceX rocket, embarking on a routine NASA mission that could be the first of many to last a couple months longer than usual. The four-person crew includes two NASA astronauts - Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, who boarded SpaceX's Dragon capsule sitting atop its Falcon 9 rocket at NASA's Kennedy Space Center and beat gloomy weather to blast off at 11:43am ET (1543 GMT). They will arrive at the ISS at around 3am (0700 GMT) on Saturday after a roughly 16-hour flight. While normal crew rotation missions last roughly six months, the Crew-11 crew may be the first to settle into a new routine time of eight months, intended to better align US mission schedules with Russia's missions, Nasa the next few months, Nasa officials will monitor the health of SpaceX's Dragon capsule, which remains docked to the ISS, before committing the mission to a full eight months. During their mission, Crew-11 will conduct scientific research to prepare for human exploration beyond low Earth orbit and benefit humanity on Earth. Participating crew members will simulate lunar landings, test strategies to safeguard vision, and advance other human spaceflight studies led by NASA's Human Research crew also will study plant cell division and microgravity's effects on bacteria-killing viruses, as well as perform experiments to produce a higher volume of human stem cells and generate on-demand nutrients. The mission is part of NASA's Commercial Crew Programme, which provides reliable access to space, maximising the use of the station for research and development and supporting future missions beyond low Earth orbit by partnering with private companies to transport astronauts to and from the space station. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Zawya
31-07-2025
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia to unveil national media strategy soon, says minister
RIYADH — Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosari confirmed on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia has not yet launched its official media sector strategy, stating that the national media strategy remains under review and will be formally announced in due course. Speaking during the government press conference in Riyadh, Al-Dosari said the Saudi media landscape is evolving from merely relaying news to creating impact, emphasizing that the sector is moving "from medium to message." He also announced that the upcoming edition of the Saudi Media Forum will be held under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz, positioning it as a national platform aligned with global media momentum and future-focused tools. '2030 is no longer a date in the future, it symbolizes limitless ambition. In Saudi Arabia, dreams aren't told, they're built. Tomorrow doesn't wait; it's accomplished today,' Al-Dosari added. Highlighting the Kingdom's humanitarian role, the minister noted that Saudi Arabia is transforming its aid initiatives into a sustainable humanitarian system. Since its inception, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has delivered more than SR30 billion in aid to 108 countries through over 3,500 development and relief programs. Al-Dosari also revealed that around 230,000 surgeries have been performed under Saudi Arabia's overseas voluntary medical campaigns. Meanwhile, the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen has provided over SR4.27 billion in funding for more than 265 projects across key sectors including roads, water, health, and education. Turning to technology and innovation, Al-Dosari said Saudi Arabia sees sustainable development as a transnational responsibility. 'We are crafting the algorithms of the future, turning data into decisions and artificial intelligence into development,' he noted. Saudi Arabia's digital economy reached SR495 billion in 2024, accounting for 15% of GDP and growing at an annual rate of nearly 7%. The number of tech companies listed on the Saudi stock exchange has also surged to 23 in 2024, up from just two in 2020. 'Today, we don't just consume technology, we contribute to building it with a value-driven and human-centered vision,' Al-Dosari said. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
