Saudi Arabia has achieved a major milestone in space exploration by launching its “Shams” satellite under the Artemis program NASA, becoming the first Arab nation to participate in the global initiative.
The Saudi Space Agency announced successful deployment and initial communication with the satellite, which was carried aboard the Artemis II mission using the Space Launch System.
The mission marks a significant step in international collaboration in space, as National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) leads efforts to return humans to the Moon’s vicinity for the first time in over five decades, paving the way for future Mars exploration. Artemis II includes a crew of four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft on its first crewed lunar flyby.
The Saudi satellite “Shams” will operate in a highly elliptical orbit ranging from approximately 500 kilometres to 70,000 kilometres above Earth, enabling extensive monitoring of solar and radiation activity. This capability is expected to advance research in space weather and support critical sectors such as communications, aviation, and navigation.
Described as a multi-first achievement, “Shams” is not only the first Arab payload under the Artemis program but also Saudi Arabia’s first national mission dedicated to space weather monitoring. The satellite has been developed domestically by Saudi talent with support from the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program, a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030.
The mission will focus on studying space radiation, solar X-rays, Earth’s magnetic field, and high-energy solar particles, contributing to enhanced reliability and sustainability of space-dependent infrastructure worldwide.
Acting CEO of the Saudi Space Agency Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi termed the achievement a result of strong leadership support, highlighting the role of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in advancing the Kingdom’s space ambitions.
Meanwhile, CEO of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program Jameel bin Ahmed Al-Ghamdi said the development of the satellite within the Kingdom reflects growing national capabilities in advanced technologies and industrial competitiveness.
The Saudi Space Agency said the mission reinforces the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation, capacity building, and international partnerships, positioning it as an emerging player in the future of global space exploration.
