The Saudi Space Agency has announced the successful launch and initial communication with the Saudi satellite ‘Shams,’ deployed aboard the Space Launch System (SLS) as part of NASA’s Artemis II mission.
With this achievement, Saudi Arabia becomes the first Arab nation to participate in the historic Artemis program.
Artemis II, the second phase of NASA’s Artemis program, is the first crewed lunar flyby in over five decades, carrying four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft.
Powered by the most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, the mission also includes the Saudi satellite ‘Shams’ as part of its scientific payload.
‘Shams’: Advancing Saudi space capabilities
The ‘Shams’ satellite will operate in a highly elliptical orbit (HEO), ranging from approximately 500 km to 70,000 km above Earth.
This trajectory allows for comprehensive monitoring of solar and radiation activity, contributing to advanced space weather research.
The satellite will support critical applications across communications, aviation, and navigation, enhancing operational readiness and global infrastructure security.
‘Shams’ represents multiple firsts for the Kingdom: it is the first Arab mission in the Artemis program and the first national satellite dedicated to space weather monitoring.
The satellite was developed domestically by Saudi talent under initiatives led by the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), a key enabler of Saudi Vision 2030.
Image via SPA | Cropped by GBN
The mission’s research will focus on four scientific domains: space radiation, solar X-rays, Earth’s magnetic field, and high-energy solar particles.
The data generated by ‘Shams’ will enhance the sustainability and reliability of sectors dependent on space technologies while reinforcing the Kingdom’s position in advanced space research and technology development.
Dr. Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi, Acting CEO of the Saudi Space Agency, stated that, “This achievement is the result of unwavering support from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Their vision has empowered national talent to participate in leading global space missions. This milestone reflects the Kingdom’s scientific and technological advancement under Vision 2030 and underscores our role in shaping the future of space for humanity.”
Eng. Jameel bin Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, CEO of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), added that, “Developing the ‘Shams’ satellite domestically demonstrates the impact of our initiatives in localizing advanced technologies and building competitive national industrial capabilities. This achievement highlights the integration of national efforts in empowering talent and strengthening local content in line with Saudi Vision 2030.”
The Saudi Space Agency emphasized that the successful deployment of ‘Shams’ embodies the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation, national capability development, and high-value international partnerships.
