BAHRAIN participated in a specialised symposium, titled ‘The Future of Space Exploration and Lunar Technologies’, organised by US-based Intuitive Machines and Advanced Space.
The conference focused on four key themes: The future of lunar exploration and emerging technologies, the role of the private sector in supporting space programmes, the challenges and opportunities of lunar infrastructure development and international collaboration within the Artemis programme.
The event followed the historic lunar landing of Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus spacecraft in February this year, marking the first private sector developed spacecraft to successfully land on the moon.
The company is currently preparing its second mission and recently secured a $4.8 billion contract from US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) to provide lunar communication and navigation services under the Artemis programme.
The Artemis missions are working toward a near future where humans are an interplanetary species – lunar bases are planned by 2030 and a round trip to Mars in 2039.
In a statement yesterday, Bahrain Space Agency (BSA) chief executive Dr Mohamed Al Aseeri highlighted the significance of the symposium, which featured keynote speaker Intuitive Machines co-founder and chief executive and former director of Nasa Johnson Space Centre Steve Altemus.
Dr Al Aseeri emphasised the importance of such gatherings in exploring the future of advanced lunar exploration, particularly as commercial companies increasingly lead progress in collaboration with government agencies.
Dr Al Aseeri noted Bahrain’s commitment to the Artemis Accords and to strengthening global space partnerships in line with its strategic goals and Vision 2030.
“BSA’s participation supports its goals to boost global collaboration, follow lunar tech developments and advance Bahrain’s space programme,” he said.
Nasa, in co-ordination with the US State Department and seven other initial signatory nations, established the Artemis Accords in 2020.
With many countries and private companies conducting missions and operations around the moon, the Artemis Accords provide a common set of principles to enhance the governance of the civil exploration and use of outer space.
The accords reinforce the commitment by signatory nations to the Outer Space Treaty, the Registration Convention, the Rescue and Return Agreement, as well as best practices and norms of responsible behaviour for civil space exploration and use.
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