Bahrain announced on Saturday the successful launch of its satellite, Al Munther, into its space orbit, marking the beginning of the National Space Science Agency team's mission in the initial operational phase and testing of space systems in orbit.

The Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported that the satellite successfully reached its orbit aboard the Falcon 9 rocket, which was launched on its space mission as part of the SpaceX Transporter-13 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA.

On the occasion of the successful launch of Al Munther, which is the first satellite with innovative Bahraini technologies and the efforts of young Bahraini talents, His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor, Commander of the Royal Guard, and Secretary-General of the Supreme Defense Council, stated that the space sector is one of the most prominent sectors of the future knowledge and innovation-based economy and one of the fastest-growing. He expressed his aspirations for more space projects that contribute to enhancing Bahrain's international standing and achieving the ambitious visions of the Kingdom under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

He congratulated the Bahraini leadership, government, and the members of the National Space Science Agency for this success, praising their dedication, perseverance, and commitment in overcoming numerous challenges over many months to achieve this milestone, which will be recorded in the bright and achievement-filled history of the Kingdom.

On his part, Sheikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, Deputy National Security Advisor, Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme Defense Council, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Space Science Agency, emphasized that the agency's board prioritizes achieving tangible technological progress in the national space sector by investing in human capital scientifically and technically. He highlighted the agency's focus on launching qualitative initiatives that contribute to achieving its strategic goals while continuing to build fruitful partnerships with space agencies and specialized companies, which enhance international cooperation and support Bahrain's journey in the space sector.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Aseeri, CEO of the National Space Science Agency, stated that the successful launch of the Bahraini satellite Al Munther represents a fundamental milestone in Bahrain's journey towards leadership in the space sector. He praised the achievements of the Bahraini team at the National Space Science Agency in successfully deploying Al Munther into its orbit, allowing the agency's team to begin its mission in the initial operational phase and testing of space systems in orbit.

He explained that the Al Munther satellite is distinguished by being fully designed and built by Bahraini hands in the Kingdom, as the agency's team innovated, designed, and built its payloads, marking a national footprint in the space sector, which is witnessing steady global growth. He noted that this achievement reflects the diligent efforts aimed at realizing the royal vision of Bahrain attaining an advanced position among nations in the field of space, adding that the agency's diverse projects contribute to meeting national needs in line with the government's program, Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, and sustainable development goals.

It is worth noting that the initial operational phase and testing of space systems in orbit is a critical stage that involves sending vital signals confirming the operation of the satellite's internal systems, as well as conducting a series of tests on subsystems, ensuring communication efficiency, data processing, and the accuracy of control and orientation. This aims to ensure full operational readiness before transitioning entirely to normal operations, which include capturing space images, transmitting them to the ground station, and testing sub-payloads composed of artificial intelligence algorithms and space cybersecurity.