HM King Hamad and HRH Prince Salman hailed on successful Light-1 satellite launch

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Congratulatory messages poured in for His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as well as for the people in the Kingdom of Bahrain, following the successful launch of the first joint Bahraini-UAE satellite Light-1 yesterday.

The joint nanosatellite Light-1 successfully arrived at the International Space Station (ISS).

It was carried aboard a Falcon 9 rocket which launched the SpaceX CRS-24 commercial resupply mission from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, US, at 1:06 pm Tuesday, in Bahrain (2:06 UAE time).

The nanosatellite was built and designed in collaboration between the UAE Space Agency and Bahrain’s National Space Science Agency (NSSA).

The project was executed at Khalifa University and New York University Abu Dhabi.

After reaching its orbit around Earth, Light-1 will monitor and study terrestrial gamma-ray flashes from thunderstorms and cumulus clouds.

It will be the first study of its kind in the region.

National achievement

HM the King received a cable of thanks and gratitude from His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Adviser and Commander of the Royal Guard.

HH Shaikh Nasser stressed that space science and scientific and technical research were able to accomplish the national achievement, the first step for Bahraini youth to move forward in space and creativity.

His Highness praised Bahrain’s comprehensive progress that has demonstrated that all loyal Bahrainis stand united as the nation led by HM the King moves forward and enlightened by His Majesty’s directives.

Promote investments

Shura Council Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh affirmed that the launch is a great achievement resulting from the royal directives to promote investments in the fields of industry, space and future sciences.

He praised the government’s support for programmes and initiatives aimed at strengthening Bahrain’s position regionally and internationally, especially in the field of future sciences.

Al Saleh stressed that Bahrain’s youth possess capabilities that enable them to contribute to more achievements and successes in the march of renaissance and development.

Royal vision

Representatives Council Speaker Fawzia bint Abdullah Zainal stressed that the launch of the first Bahraini-Emirati satellite is a translation of the royal vision.

It was also a declaration to enter the world of space and the new sciences of the future, keep pace with modern global trends, implement the new strategic plan for space sciences in Bahrain, and promise investment in all areas of development, she added.

“This historic day will remain an immortal day, preserved in the record of Bahrain’s pioneering achievements, in light of the comprehensive development process, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, a motivator and catalyst for further civilisational and modern achievements,” the Speaker said.

New phase in history

Information Minister Ali bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi emphasised that this great achievement comes as a continuation of the march of achievements witnessed by Bahrain under the wise leadership and insightful visions of HM the King.

He said that the launch of Light-1 consolidated the foundations of a modern and advanced country based on its march towards the future on the value of modern science as a tool for the advancement and development of countries and peoples.

“It marks the beginning of a new phase in the contemporary history of Bahrain in which it is making its way with all steadfastness, will and determination to keep pace with the tremendous development in the field of satellites,” Al Rumaihi said.

Greater ambition

NSSA Chief Executive Officer Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Al Aseeri affirmed that Light-1 is a first step towards achieving a greater national ambition of placing Bahrain among the leading.

countries in the space sector.

It confirms the support enjoyed by young Bahraini competencies from the Kingdom’s leadership to acquire science and knowledge, Dr Al Aseeri noted, adding that Bahrainis contributed 75% to the joint satellite.

Bahrain’s space team consists of a group of youth national cadres specialised in advanced technology, such as electrical and mechanical engineering, communication, electronics and programming.

 Qualified and capable

The Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs, Defense and National Security Committee in the House of Representatives, Issa Al Dosari, pointed out that this is a historic achievement for the Kingdom with the participation of qualified and capable Bahraini youth who can pursue scientific leadership in space sciences.

MP Al Dosari said: “The tireless work and national competence of Bahraini youth confirm what they are capable of doing.

They translate their patriotic spirit, determination and determination to achieve everything that would raise Bahrain’s status and scientific and technical progress.”

Historic launch

Youth and Sports Affairs Minister Ayman bin Tawfiq Al Moayyed congratulated the royal family and the Bahraini national youth cadres.

“The historic launch of the Light-1 satellite is a real product of the directives of His Majesty the King and His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE,” said Al Moayyed.

He said that the joint programme aims to support scientific research between the two countries towards discovering more secrets in space.

It also confirms the depth of relations between the two brotherly countries, the minister added.

The minister noted the great efforts of the NSSA and its continued keenness to cooperate with the UAE side in the implementation of the satellite.

Breakthrough

His Majesty’s Adviser for Media Affairs Nabil bin Yaqoub Al Hamer congratulated HM the King and HRH Prince Salman on the glorious occasion.

Al Hamer said that the success of this important project will be a breakthrough in strengthening the Kingdom’s capabilities in the technical, scientific and research fields, and establishing its position and global leadership in the space sciences sector.

He praised the tireless efforts of HH Shaikh Nasser and his great support in achieving this honourable scientific achievement for the Kingdom.