Bahrain to Land on the Moon!

Bahrain’s National Space Science Agency to Make Historic Lunar Landing in Partnership with UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre

Mahir Haneef

TDT| Manama

Bahrain’s journey into deep space took a historic step forward with the announcement that the National Space Science Agency (NSSA) will send its first payload to the Moon. This milestone mission, in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates’ Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), is part of the Emirates Lunar Mission, showcasing a shared Arab vision for space exploration and technological progress. The announcement was made at the Bahrain International Airshow 2024 today.

As part of the mission, Bahrain will contribute high-tech navigation cameras, developed by NSSA, that are designed to endure the Moon’s harsh environment. These cameras will play a vital role in the rover’s navigation, allowing ground control to map the lunar surface, analyze soil samples, and monitor the rover’s movement. This payload marks Bahrain’s first physical presence on the lunar surface, further aligning the nation’s goals with the Artemis Accords for future Moon exploration and human missions.

Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Aseeri, CEO of NSSA, called the collaboration a "significant scientific achievement" and praised the mission’s importance for both Bahrain’s national advancement and the Arab region’s growing presence in global space research. “This mission reflects the high level of expertise within Bahrain’s workforce, demonstrating our engineers’ readiness to contribute at an international level,” Dr. Al-Aseeri remarked. He added that this achievement brings Bahrain closer to realizing the vision of His Majesty the King, aiming to establish the Kingdom as a leader in future sciences.

H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, celebrated the partnership, emphasizing the shared commitment to advancing Arab technological capabilities in space. “The Bahraini contribution to the Emirates Lunar Mission reflects our strong partnership, driving regional progress in space sciences and engineering,” AlMarri noted.

With Bahrain set to make its mark on the Moon, the NSSA-MBRSC collaboration represents not only a milestone for both nations but also a powerful contribution to global lunar research and the ongoing exploration of our celestial neighbour.