Bahrain has taken a significant leap in space technology with the successful launch of its first domestically designed and built satellite, Al Munther. The satellite was sent into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-13 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA. This milestone marks a new chapter in Bahrain’s growing space ambitions.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court of the UAE, extended his heartfelt congratulations to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, acknowledging this remarkable scientific and technological advancement. He emphasized that this achievement reflects Bahrain’s progress and commitment to innovation in space exploration.
According to the Bahrain News Agency, Al Munther successfully reached its designated orbit at an altitude of 550 kilometers above sea level. The satellite will now undergo a series of tests to ensure operational efficiency before beginning full-scale operations.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, Al Munther features a medium-resolution space camera with a 20-meter per pixel capacity to capture detailed images of Bahrain and its territorial waters. It is also the first nanosatellite in the region to incorporate artificial intelligence, allowing real-time image analysis. To ensure data security, the satellite includes an advanced cybersecurity payload with encryption capabilities. Additionally, it carries a radio broadcast system that will transmit the Bahraini national anthem and a special message from King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to radio enthusiasts around the world.
The successful launch of Al Munther follows another major space milestone in the region, as the UAE recently launched its high-precision observational satellite, Etihad-SAT, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This marks the UAE’s second satellite launch within the first quarter of 2025, reinforcing the region’s rapid advancements in space technology.
With Al Munther now in orbit, Bahrain joins an elite group of nations actively contributing to space exploration, showcasing its commitment to scientific progress and technological innovation.