Latest news with #BahrainSpaceAgency
Gulf Insider
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Bahrain Space Agency Launches 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. Also read: Two Held Over Indecent Video Circulated Online
Biz Bahrain
2 days ago
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
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. BNA(R)
Daily Tribune
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain participates in Middle East space law launch
The Bahrain Space Agency (BSA) participated as a keynote speaker at the launch of the Middle East Space Law and Legislation Committee, under the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences (AUASS), held under the patronage of Professor Hamid Majul Al Nuaimi, President of the Union. The event discussed the Middle East's role in global space governance, the potential of legal frameworks to support strategic opportunities, and the importance of space law in fostering international cooperation. Representing the agency, Rasha Al Emad, Head of Strategic Planning, delivered a presentation outlining the Kingdom of Bahrain's efforts in developing a national regulatory framework for space. She highlighted the importance of such frameworks in shaping Arab space governance and concluded with insights to support Arab countries in drafting their own national legislation. Awareness Mohamed Ibrahim Al Aseeri, CEO of the BSA, noted the agency's ongoing efforts to raise awareness on space law in the Arab world and to foster knowledge exchange in line with its strategic objectives. Al Emad added that the evolving global space sector now includes a wider range of actors beyond major powers, stressing that legal framework are central to innovation, investment, safety, and international cooperation. She highlighted Bahrain's progress, from the royal decree establishing the agency, to ratifying UN treaties, joining international agreements such as the Artemis Accords, and drafting national legislation.
Biz Bahrain
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Biz Bahrain
Bahrain Space Agency participates in Middle East space law launch event
The Bahrain Space Agency participated as a keynote speaker at the launch of the Middle East Space Law and Legislation Committee, under the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences (AUASS), held under the patronage of Professor Hamid Majul Al Nuaimi, President of the Union. The event discussed the Middle East's role in global space governance, the potential of legal frameworks to support strategic opportunities, and the importance of space law in fostering international cooperation. Representing the agency, Rasha Al Emad, Head of Strategic Planning, delivered a presentation outlining the Kingdom of Bahrain's efforts in developing a national regulatory framework for space. She highlighted the importance of such frameworks in shaping Arab space governance and concluded with insights to support Arab countries in drafting their own national legislation. Mohamed Ibrahim Al Aseeri, CEO of the Bahrain Space Agency, noted the agency's ongoing efforts to raise awareness on space law in the Arab world and to foster knowledge exchange in line with its strategic objectives. Al Emad added that the evolving global space sector now includes a wider range of actors beyond major powers, stressing that legal framework are central to innovation, investment, safety, and international cooperation. She highlighted Bahrain's progress, from the royal decree establishing the agency, to ratifying UN treaties, joining international agreements such as the Artemis Accords, and drafting national legislation covering licensing, liability, insurance, spectrum use, and orbital debris. The Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences (AUASS), founded in 1998 in Amman, Jordan, works to advance space and astronomy sciences in the Arab world by organising workshops and seminars, and strengthening collaboration with academic and research institutions. BNA(R)
Zawya
02-04-2025
- Science
- Zawya
Bahrain's Al Munther satellite begins sending signals from orbit
Bahrain's own satellite, Al Munther, has reached its designated orbit and has started sending signals, the Bahrain Space Agency (BSA) has confirmed. Several signals were received via the ground station and the data received showed that the satellite was stable in its orbit and that its essential systems were operating within the specified technical ranges, said the technical team in a statement yesterday. This is a positive indicator of the satellite's health and stability, it added. The satellite was successfully launched on March 15, 2025, from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in the US, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, as part of an international mission carrying several satellites. 'Al Munther represents a strategic achievement for Bahrain and embodies the remarkable progress in building national capabilities in the space sector,' said BSA chief executive Dr Mohammed Al Aseeri. 'The success of the initial operational phases to date reflects the combined efforts of a professional and ambitious team and paves the way for a new phase of space development and innovation.' Al Munther project manager Aisha Al Haram said the system activation began immediately after the satellite reached orbit. 'Activating the power system was the first step that enabled the operation of other systems. We are currently in the testing phase of core systems, such as communications, the control system and direction finding, in preparation for moving on to testing the four technical payloads, including the artificial intelligence payload. 'This phase is one of the most critical in a satellite's life cycle, as it assesses the efficiency and stability of the systems upon which the satellite's entire operation depends. 'These tests include: monitoring the performance of the solar panels and their compliance with the expected power, testing radio communications to ensure the safe transmission and reception of commands, testing the direction-finding system, and measuring internal temperatures to ensure the devices operate within the permitted ranges.' She added that each system is tested separately, the incoming data carefully analysed and tests repeated to ensure consistency. 'Communication with the satellite is limited by the time it passes over the ground station, which requires careful scheduling to take advantage of each communication window.' This phase is not subject to a fixed timeframe, given the complexity of the systems, their varying response times and limited communication. Additionally, caution is required in sending technical commands during this sensitive phase, as well as the possibility of unexpected challenges arising from the harsh orbital environment. The BSA continues to implement the project's operational plan in accordance with the highest engineering standards, looking forward to completing the testing of the basic systems, in preparation for moving on to testing the four technical payloads and then commencing regular operations that will enable the satellite to perform its scientific and technical missions with high efficiency in the coming period. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
