The first complete satellite image of Bahrain captured by Al Munther – the kingdom’s first locally-made satellite – was presented to Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa yesterday.
The image was handed over by Bahrain Space Agency chief executive officer Dr Mohammed Al Aseeri, marking the first anniversary of its successful launch.
Shaikh Khalid said that Bahrain’s investment in future sciences and the knowledge economy reflects the forward-looking vision of His Majesty King Hamad and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He described the establishment of the Bahrain Space Agency as a key outcome of this vision, praising the role of National Security Adviser, Royal Guard Commander and Secretary-General of the Supreme Defence Council Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, in advancing the agency’s work, accelerating scientific and technological progress, and preparing Bahraini talent to lead the sector.
The Deputy Prime Minister also congratulated the agency and its staff on the first anniversary of Al Munther’s successful launch, noting its continued performance in orbit as a clear sign of Bahrain’s progress in developing national capabilities in advanced space technologies.
Al Munther lifted off last year on March 15 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marking a historic milestone for the kingdom’s space programme.
Shaikh Khalid highlighted the importance of using the satellite’s data to support projects and plans across ministries and government entities, particularly in urban planning, infrastructure development, environmental and climate monitoring, and the management of natural, water and agricultural resources.
Dr Aseeri expressed his appreciation for Shaikh Khalid’s support, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to using its capabilities and satellite data to advance Bahrain’s development goals and to achieve and enhance its regional and global standing.
His Majesty was also presented with this image in November last year by Shaikh Nasser.
Al Munther 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.
Notably, the satellite also has the Mena region’s first AI-powered image processing module, marking a significant leap in onboard computing capabilities.
The satellite underwent a series of rigorous tests to ensure its ability to withstand harsh space conditions and operate efficiently after launch. These were conducted in several specialised regional and international facilities. Payload readiness tests were performed at UAE’s National Space Science and Technology Centre, which aimed to verify the performance of the space camera and its ability to operate in harsh conditions.
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