The UAE and Bahrain jointly launched two Earth-monitoring satellites on Saturday, advancing their space exploration efforts.
Etihad-SAT: UAE’s Advanced Radar Satellite
Developed by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), the UAE’s Etihad-SAT was launched aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Air Force Base at 10:39 a.m. UAE time. Equipped with advanced radar technology, it can capture high-precision images in any weather, aiding environmental monitoring, oil leak detection, maritime tracking, and smart agriculture.
The launch coincides with a decade since the UAE’s formal space sector entry in 2014.
Al-Munther: Bahrain’s First Satellite
Bahrain’s Al-Munther, launched at 9:39 a.m. Bahrain time via the same Falcon 9 under the Transporter-13 mission, marks the country’s debut in space. With onboard AI capabilities, it processes space images without relying on ground stations, enhancing efficiency.
The satellite supports environmental monitoring, desertification studies, urban planning, and food security. Operating at 550 km above Earth, it has a five-year mission lifespan.
National Space Science Agency CEO Mohamed Ibrahim Al Aseeri highlighted this as a milestone for Bahrain’s space ambitions.
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