Manama: The Saudi Space Agency announced the successful launch and initial communication with the 'Shams' satellite, deployed as part of the Artemis II mission led by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
According to Bahrain News Agency, the achievement marks Saudi Arabia as the first Arab country to participate in a mission under the Artemis programme.
The agency noted that the participation reflects the Kingdom's progress in the space sector and strengthens its presence in international scientific projects, particularly in space exploration and advanced technologies. Artemis II, the second phase of the Artemis programme, aims to conduct the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon in more than five decades, using the Orion spacecraft and the Space Launch System (SLS), in preparation for future missions, including lunar landings and missions to Mars.
The 'Shams' satellite carries advanced scientific instruments and will operate in a highly elliptical orbit around Earth to monitor solar and radiation activity, supporting space weather research and related applications in communications, navigation, and aviation. The satellite represents Saudi Arabia's first national mission dedicated to space weather monitoring and was developed by national expertise as part of efforts to localise advanced technologies and strengthen capabilities in the space sector, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
The agency affirmed that the achievement reflects the Kingdom's commitment to advancing scientific innovation and strengthening international partnerships in space exploration.