logo
A ‘qualitative leap' for Bahrain's space ambitions

A ‘qualitative leap' for Bahrain's space ambitions

Daily Tribune18-03-2025
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain's successful launch of the Al-Mundhir satellite, which was developed by a group of distinguished Bahraini youth, represents a significant historical achievement
HM the King added that it is a qualitative leap in the Kingdom's journey towards enhancing its national capabilities and positioning itself as a leading nation in the field of space science and technology on the global stage.
He affirmed that the Kingdom is moving forward with steady steps to consolidate its position and leadership among advanced countries in the space science and technology sector, enhancing the comprehensive development and civilizational renaissance the country is witnessing in all fields and various sectors.
HM King Hamad made the statements as he received His Highness Lieutenant General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Commander of the Royal Guard, and Secretary General of the Supreme Defense Council.
His Highness presented to His Majesty the members of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Space Agency and the Agency's space science team, following the successful launch of the first Bahraini satellite, Al Munther, into orbit.
In recognition of their efforts in achieving Bahraini accomplishments, His Majesty awarded members of the Bahrain Space Agency team with medals of competence and national service. HM King Hamad congratulated HH Shaikh Nasser for this new scientific achievement.
He also congratulated the Bahrain Space Agency team, involved governmental institutions, and all contributors to this national accomplishment.
The satellite was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA aboard the Falcon 9 rocket.
It is the first Bahraini satellite designed and developed entirely within the Kingdom. It aims to localise satellite technology and enhance national capabilities in the field of space.
Al Munther carries four space payloads designed and developed by Bahraini space engineers, marking Bahrain's entry into advanced technological HM the King realms in the space sector.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Bahrain Launches Academic Excellence Authority to Empower Youth and Boost Innovation
Bahrain Launches Academic Excellence Authority to Empower Youth and Boost Innovation

Daily Tribune

time4 hours ago

  • Daily Tribune

Bahrain Launches Academic Excellence Authority to Empower Youth and Boost Innovation

His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, officially launched the Academic Excellence Authority during a ceremony attended by top officials and over 100 outstanding students and graduates. HH Shaikh Nasser emphasized that the launch reflects the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to support and empower Bahraini youth academically and professionally, helping them become active contributors to Bahrain's ongoing development and sustainable future. 'This authority is a strategic national platform aimed at embracing academically gifted youth and channeling their talents into scientific research, innovation, and entrepreneurship,' he said. 'It will enhance Bahrain's competitiveness on regional and global levels and aligns with the government's commitment—under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister—to put youth at the heart of national development.' Highlighting the importance of investing in scientific talent, HH Shaikh Nasser stated, 'Youth are half of today and all of tomorrow. This authority will serve as a hub for brilliant Bahraini minds, providing them with the space and support to innovate and excel.' The launch event was attended by Ayman bin Tawfiq Al Moayyed, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, and Minister of Youth Affairs Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfeeqi. It also welcomed more than 100 high-achieving students and graduates who met the authority's entry standards. During the ceremony, Abdulrahman Mohamed Al Jallal, Chairman of the Academic Excellence Authority, extended his gratitude to HH Shaikh Nasser for his continuous support of youth initiatives. 'This authority was born from His Highness's vision—not just as a recognition initiative, but as a platform that inspires, empowers, and drives impact,' he said. Al Jallal added, 'Your Highness has taught us that excellence isn't something we wish for—it's something we achieve with determination and hard work. Greatness doesn't come as a gift; it's earned by those who believe in their abilities and their nation.' He also revealed that the authority now includes over 230 members, comprised of Bahrain's top academic achievers and graduates from the world's top 100 universities. These members have come together to dedicate their excellence to Bahrain's progress and contribute knowledge that reflects the nation's ambitions. The event also marked the unveiling of the authority's new visual identity, reinforcing its role as a unified academic community and a hub for excellence across disciplines. The authority aims to create a supportive environment for scientific talent, promote knowledge-sharing, and increase Bahrain's participation in the global academic landscape. In essence, the Academic Excellence Authority will serve as a home for talent and innovation—a national platform that empowers youth to shape a future grounded in excellence, creativity, and the forward-thinking leadership of Bahrain.

BSA showcases Arab model for strategic space planning
BSA showcases Arab model for strategic space planning

Daily Tribune

time10 hours ago

  • Daily Tribune

BSA showcases Arab model for strategic space planning

The Bahrain Space Agency (BSA), in collaboration with the UN-affiliated Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education for Western Asia, held a workshop on strategic planning for space programmes, highlighting the Bahraini experience as a regional model. The workshop, attended by representatives from several Arab countries, aimed to foster regional cooperation and unify visions in the space sector. Technologies Yaqoob Al Qassab, Space Engineering Specialist, opened the workshop with a presentation on Bahrain's history in utilising space technologies, the national space policy framework, and the implementation mechanism of the agency's 2024–2028 strategic plan. He emphasised success factors including international cooperation, scientific research investment, national capacity building, and the importance of a supportive infrastructure for space projects. Aysha Al Haram, Chief Satellite Design Department at the BSA, presented a case study on translating strategic plans into tangible projects. Success She highlighted the success of Bahrain's joint satellite with the UAE, 'Light-1' (2021), and the national satellite 'Al Munther' (2025), the first Arab satellite to incorporate embedded artificial intelligence technologies. Al Haram emphasised the pivotal role of young Bahraini talent in successfully delivering these projects. She also outlined Bahrain's approach in linking strategic planning with practical space applications, such as using satellite data to monitor environmental challenges and establishing a satellite imagery lab to support decision-making in urban planning.

Bahrain Space Agency and TRA Discuss Satellite Communication Cooperation
Bahrain Space Agency and TRA Discuss Satellite Communication Cooperation

Daily Tribune

time5 days ago

  • Daily Tribune

Bahrain Space Agency and TRA Discuss Satellite Communication Cooperation

The Bahrain Space Agency team, led by Dr. Mohammed Al-Othman, met with representatives from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) to explore new areas of cooperation in satellite communications and frequency registration. During the meeting, both sides praised the successful submission of Bahrain's satellite frequency file for the 'Al-Munther' satellite to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which was accepted in accordance with the highest global standards. The achievement reflects the growing technical expertise within both the Space Agency and the TRA. The discussion also covered key topics such as allocating national frequencies for space use, aligning with international guidelines, and keeping pace with Bahrain's rapidly evolving space ambitions. Future collaboration in representing Bahrain at regional and international conferences on satellite frequency allocation was also highlighted. Dr. Al-Othman described the partnership as a vital step in bolstering Bahrain's regional and global standing in the space sector. 'Working together with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority is essential to driving innovation and ensuring that Bahrain's space projects meet international standards,' he said. 'We thank the TRA for their continuous support and for hosting this important meeting.' Engineer Hassan Mohammed, Director of Spectrum Management at TRA, echoed the sentiment. 'This meeting reflects our commitment to supporting the progress of Bahrain's space initiatives and managing spectrum efficiently in line with global best practices,' he said. 'We're excited to keep building on this partnership with the Space Agency to achieve our shared goals.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store