Bahrain launched its first locally designed and manufactured satellite, “Al Munther,” on Saturday to localize satellite technology and enhance national capabilities in the space sector.
Al Munther is the first satellite of its kind in the region to employ artificial intelligence (AI) for onboard image processing, according to the Kingdom’s National Space Science Agency (NSSA). It carries advanced payloads, including AI-based image processing, an Earth observation camera, a cybersecurity system, and a unique feature to broadcast Bahrain’s national anthem and a message from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa from space.
NSSA’s CEO, Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Aseeri, told Forbes Middle East that the accomplishment is not only a step forward in enhancing the Kingdom’s presence in the field of space science but also a confirmation of its capabilities and its ability to contribute to global scientific progress.
The satellite was launched on Saturday aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-13 mission from California.
The mission aims to develop local expertise in satellite design, construction, and operation, create Bahrain’s first nanosatellite operating system, secure intellectual property rights, and capture medium-resolution images of the Kingdom and its territorial waters for environmental, agricultural, and urban planning purposes. It also aims to implement advanced encryption algorithms to protect satellite data from cyber threats.
Bahrain will also establish a mini ground station to communicate with the satellite, enhancing its capabilities in space operations and data management.
Crucial quote“This significant national accomplishment is the result of continuous efforts and close collaboration between our distinguished Bahraini teams and our international partners. It reinforces our commitment to fulfilling His Majesty the King’s vision for Bahrain to occupy a leading position in the space sector,” His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Ali bin Jaber Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of NSSA told Forbes Middle East.
Key backgroundThe NSSA was established in 2014 by a royal decree, with a vision to promote Bahrain to a position of international prominence in the field of space science for the purpose of achieving comprehensive and sustainable development.
The agency’s mission is to devise comprehensive programs to embrace and develop activities related to space science, research, and related studies, according to its website.
Its latest project, Al Munther, started in September 2022 and took 20 months for the design to be completed in April 2024.
