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His Majesty King Hamad has issued a decree establishing the Bahrain Space Agency, based on a proposal by the Prime Minister and following the approval of the Cabinet.
According to the decree, the Bahrain Space Agency will replace the National Space Science Agency in name and function. The new agency will be under the Supreme Defence Council and subject to the supervision of the council’s secretary-general.
All references in Decree (11) of 2014 on the establishment and structuring of the National Space Science Agency shall be amended accordingly.
The Prime Minister and ministers, each in their capacity, shall implement the provisions of this decree, which shall come into effect the day following its publication in the Official Gazette.
Earlier yesterday, the Cabinet, during its weekly meeting chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, extended its congratulations to His Majesty on the successful launch of Bahrain’s Al Munther satellite from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
“This milestone supports the kingdom’s advancements in the space sector and its contributions to regional and international strategic development,” it pointed out.
The Cabinet commended the dedication of Bahrain’s national workforce, supported by National Security Adviser and Royal Guard Commander Lieutenant General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
His Majesty later received cables of congratulations from Royal Family members and senior officials on the successful launch of the satellite into orbit.
Bahrain’s first locally-made satellite lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, and then was launched into orbit approximately 54 minutes after take-off on Saturday.
Launched alongside 73 other payloads, the 3.2kg nanosatellite entered orbit, deployed its solar panels and sensors and successfully sent its first signal to ground receiving stations.
It features four locally-developed payloads, including a medium resolution space camera, artificial intelligence-based image processing, cybersecurity module and a unique radio transmission payload, which will broadcast Bahrain’s national anthem and a message from His Majesty that can be decoded and received by amateur radio enthusiasts and satellite receiving stations around the world.
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