RIYADH — The Saudi Space Agency announced the successful launch and initial communication with the Saudi satellite “Shams,” which was deployed aboard the Space Launch System (SLS) as part of the Artemis II mission.
The milestone marks Saudi Arabia as the first Arab country to participate in a mission under NASA’s Artemis program, aimed at advancing scientific innovation and strengthening international partnerships in space exploration.
Artemis II represents the second phase of the Artemis program, led by NASA with broad international participation, and aims to return humans to the vicinity of the Moon for the first time in more than five decades, paving the way for future missions to Mars.
The mission carries a crew of four astronauts on the Orion spacecraft in the first crewed lunar orbit mission, powered by the SLS, the most powerful launch vehicle ever operated.
The Saudi satellite “Shams” is among the scientific payloads onboard.
“Shams” will operate in a highly elliptical orbit (HEO), ranging from approximately 500 km to 70,000 km from Earth, enabling wide coverage to monitor solar and radiation activity and support advanced space weather studies.
The satellite represents multiple milestones, including the first Arab mission launched in Artemis and Saudi Arabia’s first dedicated space weather mission. It was developed locally by Saudi talent, supported by initiatives under the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), one of Vision 2030’s key programs.
The mission aims to study space weather through four scientific areas: space radiation, solar X-rays, Earth’s magnetic field, and high-energy solar particles.
The data generated will support vital sectors such as communications, aviation, and navigation by enhancing operational readiness and strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure.
Acting CEO of the Saudi Space Agency Dr. Mohammed Al-Tamimi said the achievement reflects the Kingdom’s rapid progress in advanced technologies under Vision 2030, supported by the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
NIDLP CEO Eng. Jameel Al-Ghamdi said the local development of “Shams” highlights the program’s role in localizing advanced technologies and building competitive national capabilities.
The Saudi Space Agency said the achievement reinforces the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation, capacity building, and international collaboration in shaping the future of space exploration.
Source: Saudi Gazette