Bahrain’s Al Munther satellite has successfully reached its designated orbit and is now sending signals back to Earth, as confirmed by the Bahrain Space Agency (BSA). The satellite was launched on March 15, 2025, from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in the United States, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of an international mission that included several satellites.

According to the technical team at the BSA, the signals received through the ground station indicate that the satellite is stable in its orbit and its essential systems are functioning within the specified technical ranges. This development is seen as a positive indicator of the satellite’s health and stability.

Dr. Mohammed Al Aseeri, the chief executive of the BSA, stated that “Al Munther represents a strategic achievement for Bahrain and embodies the remarkable progress in building national capabilities in the space sector.” He emphasized that the success of the initial operational phases reflects the combined efforts of a professional and ambitious team, paving the way for greater advancements in space development and innovation.

Project manager Aisha Al Haram remarked that the activation of the satellite’s systems began immediately after it reached orbit. She explained that activating the power system was the first step to enable the operation of other systems. Currently, the team is in the testing phase of core systems, such as communications and the control system, in preparation for testing the four technical payloads, including an artificial intelligence payload.

Al Haram noted that this testing phase is critical in a satellite’s lifecycle, as it assesses the efficiency and stability of the systems essential for the satellite’s operation. The tests will monitor the performance of solar panels, radio communications, the direction-finding system, and internal temperatures to ensure all devices operate within permitted ranges.

She added that communication with the satellite is limited to the time it passes over the ground station, which necessitates careful scheduling. This phase is complex, and there is no fixed timeframe due to varying system response times and the potential for unexpected challenges in the harsh orbital environment. The BSA is dedicated to following the project’s operational plan according to the highest engineering standards, aiming to complete testing of basic systems and begin regular operations for scientific and technical missions.