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Bahrain has successfully launched its first domestically designed and developed satellite, Al-Munther.
The project, spearheaded by the National Space Science Agency (NSSA), marks a milestone in the Gulf state’s space ambitions.
The 3U CubeSat is the first satellite in the region to integrate artificial intelligence for onboard image processing.
Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Aseeri, CEO of the NSSA, told Arab News: “The successful launch of Bahrain’s Al-Munther satellite into orbit marks a major milestone in the kingdom’s space journey.
I take immense pride in the achievements of the National Space Science Agency team, who have successfully placed Al-Munther in orbit, paving the way for initial operations and in-orbit system testing.”
Al-Aseeri described the successful launch as a remarkable national achievement, with the satellite entirely designed and developed by Bahraini talent. The NSSA team played a key role in innovating, designing, and building its payloads.
He added: “Designed and developed entirely by Bahrainis, Al-Munther is a significant national accomplishment. This success reflects our commitment to the royal vision of positioning Bahrain as a leader in space and supports national development, Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”
The satellite features an Earth observation camera, a cybersecurity system, and a unique broadcast function that will transmit Bahrain’s national anthem along with a message from King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. It will operate in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 550 km and is expected to have a two-year lifespan.
The launch took place aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Launch Complex in California.
Reem Abdulla Senan, head of satellite communication operations, said: “One of the most significant achievements of the Al-Munther mission is the development of a Bahraini-operated software system to manage the satellite and its payloads. This not only advances the nationalisation of space technologies but also strengthens Bahrain’s autonomy in satellite operations. The software enables the satellite to efficiently carry out its designated tasks, including data collection, processing, and transmission to Earth.”
She added that the ground station established in Bahrain would play a critical role in overseeing Al-Munther’s operations.
“The station allows us to manage the satellite with high precision, support future space missions, and even receive data from other free satellites operating on the same frequencies,” she said. “The successful initial contact between the satellite and the ground station after launch will mark a pivotal moment—confirming the communication system is functioning as intended and initiating the structured commencement of scientific operations.”
Al-Munther, which means “herald” or “messenger,” symbolises Bahrain’s forward-looking vision and commitment to innovation. It highlights the kingdom’s dedication to building a sustainable space infrastructure, fostering research and development, and inspiring future generations to pursue advancements in science and technology.