Saudi Arabia makes history by launching the ‘Shams’ Satellite, joining NASA’s Artemis Program | World News – The Times of India

Saudi Arabia has entered the world stage with an important mission that puts it at the heart of NASA’s Artemis program. The successful launch and first communication with its satellite “Shams” shows scientific ambition and growing technological capabilities, with far-reaching implications.

The Saudi Space Agency has confirmed the successful launch and first communication with its “Shams” satellite, which was inserted into the Space Launch System as part of the Artemis II project. This success makes Saudi Arabia the first Arab country to participate in the mission under the Artemis program.Led by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Artemis is designed to accelerate scientific innovation and build strong international partnerships. Artemis II marks the second phase of the program and represents a critical step in returning humans to the lunar environment for the first time in more than fifty years.The mission carries four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft on what is described as the first lunar orbit or spacecraft of its kind. It is powered by the Space Launch System, widely recognized as the most powerful vehicle ever designed and used. Among its scientific activities is the Saudi satellite “Shams”, which is set as the main research objective of the project.

The “Shams” satellite will operate in a highly circular orbit from 500 to 70,000 kilometers above the Earth. This wide orbital area provides extensive coverage, enabling monitoring of solar activity and radiation.Its scientific focus is on space climate, with four main areas of study:

This position creates an advanced scientific environment for observing how solar activity interacts with Earth’s systems. The data collected will directly support space climate research while contributing to practical global applications.

The explanations given by the “Shams” are expected to strengthen the reliability and stability of the key components. These include communications, aviation, and shipping systems that rely heavily on fixed space-based equipment.By improving understanding of solar radiation and magnetic disturbances, the mission will help improve operational readiness and protect technical systems that support Earth’s daily operations.This is not just a scientific exercise. It is a strategic investment in infrastructure protection and long-term technological capabilities.

A national milestone supported by the 2030 vision

“Shams” represents the majority of Saudi Arabia. It is both the first Arab mission within the Artemis program and the first dedicated Government mission focused on monitoring space weather.The satellite was developed in-house by Saudi talent, supported by initiatives under the National Industrial and Infrastructure Development Program, a key pillar of Vision 2030. The program aims to develop advanced technologies and build competitive national industries.The Director General of the Saudi Space Agency, Dr Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi, said that the achievement shows the Kingdom’s rapid progress in science and technology, which is driven by the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He noted that the sustained support has enabled the country’s talent to participate in leading space activities around the world and contribute to shaping the future of space exploration.NIDLP CEO Eng Jameel bin Ahmed Al-Ghamdi emphasized that the local development of “Shams” shows the success of the program in building national capacity and strengthening local issues. He pointed to the consolidation of national efforts to strengthen talents and promote industrial competitiveness.

Strengthening global cooperation in space

The Saudi Space Agency said the mission highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation, capacity building and international cooperation. By joining a mission of this scale, Saudi Arabia positions itself as an active participant in shaping the future of space exploration.As Artemis II lays the groundwork for future missions to the moon and missions to Mars, the inclusion of “Shams” ensures that Saudi Arabia is not just watching progress, but participating in it in a balanced, scientific way.