Etihad and Al-Munther: Gulf Satellites Launched into Space
The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain launched two new satellites on Saturday to enhance their efforts in monitoring climate changes and improving environmental observation.
The radar satellite “Etihad Sat” was entirely developed by the team at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre. It was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. “Etihad Sat” utilizes advanced radar imaging technology capable of providing high-resolution images both day and night, under various weather conditions. Its applications include disaster management, smart agriculture, monitoring oil spills, and marine navigation.
The “Al-Munther” satellite is Bahrain’s first-ever satellite, designed and developed by a specialized Bahraini team. It features the ability to analyze space images immediately after capturing them using artificial intelligence, significantly speeding up data processing. Its applications include climate change monitoring, studying desertification, urban planning, and supporting food security.
This step reflects the ambitions of both countries to solidify their positions in the space sector. Bahrain affirmed its long-term vision for developing its space programs through its national expertise.
