Bahrain Space Agency launches first AI powered satellite payload
The Bahrain Space Agency (BSA) announced the launch of its first specialised payload for cloud detection and identification of satellite imagery. The project utilises advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and has been developed in collaboration with the Chinese company Star Vision and the Omani company 'Oman Lens,' aboard a joint satellite between the Sultanate of Oman and the People's Republic of China.
The project involves a group of BSA engineers in the design, development, and testing of advanced AI algorithms, which are being implemented on board a satellite operating in low Earth orbit.
The project aims to build national capacity in the field of AI algorithm development, enhancing local competencies, stimulating continuous innovation, and consolidating the Kingdom's position as a regional hub for space innovation.
These algorithms are dedicated to analysing satellite images in real time, detecting and identifying clouds, estimating their coverage in images, and then automatically replacing them with parts of previous images before transmitting the data to ground stations.
This process improves the efficiency of space systems and enhances the quality of the extracted data, which is subsequently used in a variety of applications, such as urban planning, air and water quality monitoring, ship identification and location, and other space-based applications that provide valuable data to a wide range of public and private sector entities.
Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Aseeri, CEO of the BSA, highlighted that the initiative stands as a major achievement for the organisation, reinforcing Bahrain's status as a frontrunner in the space sector following the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The project also underscores the BSA's international partnerships and the technical and scientific expertise of its staff, which have been instrumental in making this distinguished collaboration possible.
Space Engineer Yaqoob Al Qassab noted that the project is among several initiatives designed to strengthen Bahrain's national expertise in developing and integrating AI algorithms with satellite systems. The technical team involved serves as the core of a dedicated Bahraini group focused on applying AI technology in space to support sustainable development goals. He also mentioned that the team is now engaged in a new collaborative project with the same partners, targeting the deployment of advanced algorithms for automated maritime vessel detection from space.
This project marks the first Bahraini–Omani cooperation in the space sector, and represents the third Arab–Chinese space cooperation, following the Bahraini–Egyptian–Chinese collaboration on lunar projects.
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