UAE and Bahrain jointly propelled themselves into the space race with their own satellites [Getty]
The UAE and Bahrain successfully launched on Sunday their satellites, Etihad-SAT and Al-Munther, to enhance environmental monitoring and advance scientific research.
The Etihad-SAT, developed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), was deployed from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
The radar-equipped satellite can capture high-precision images in all weather conditions and monitor various environmental factors, including detecting oil leaks, tracking maritime traffic, and supporting agricultural initiatives.
This satellite launch is part of UAE’s expanding space program, which began with the formation of the UAE Space Agency in 2014 and includes the Hope Probe mission to Mars.
Bahrain also successfully launched their own version, Al-Munther, the first domestically designed and developed satellite, also aboard the same Falcon 9 rocket.
This 3U CubeSat features artificial intelligence (AI) for onboard processing of satellite images, was designed to analyse data by reducing the need for transmission to Earth.
Al-Munther, which means “herald” or “messenger”, focuses on environmental issues such as desertification, urban planning, and food security. The satellite is expected to operate in a sun-synchronous orbit at 550 kilometres of altitude for over two years.
“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,” said Reem Abdulla Senan, head of satellite communication operations.
“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.”
Beyond technological ambitions, Al-Munther will broadcast the national anthem and a message from King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa.
The satellite’s operations will also be managed through a newly established ground station in Bahrain, which will support ongoing satellite monitoring and future space missions.
Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Aseeri, CEO of the National Space Science Agency, 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.”
