Bahrain’s National Space Science Agency (NSSA) is set to make history with its first lunar landing mission in partnership with the UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). This collaboration, part of the Emirates Lunar Mission, showcases a shared Arab vision for space exploration and technological progress. The announcement was made at the Bahrain International Airshow 2024, marking a significant milestone in Bahrain’s journey into deep space exploration.
As part of the mission, Bahrain will be contributing high-tech navigation cameras developed by NSSA to the lunar rover. These cameras are specifically designed to withstand the harsh environment of the Moon and will play a crucial role in navigating the rover, mapping the lunar surface, analyzing soil samples, and monitoring the rover’s movements. This marks Bahrain’s first physical presence on the lunar surface and aligns with the nation’s goals to adhere to the Artemis Accords for future Moon exploration and human missions.
Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Aseeri, CEO of NSSA, hailed the collaboration as a significant scientific achievement that will further Bahrain’s national advancement and enhance the Arab region’s presence in global space research. He emphasized the expertise of Bahrain’s workforce and the readiness of the engineers to contribute at an international level, bringing the nation closer to His Majesty the King’s vision of establishing Bahrain as a leader in future sciences.
H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, expressed his excitement about the partnership and highlighted the shared commitment to advancing Arab technological capabilities in space. He noted that Bahrain’s contribution to the Emirates Lunar Mission strengthens the strong partnership between the two nations and drives regional progress in space sciences and engineering. The collaboration between NSSA and MBRSC not only represents a milestone for Bahrain and the UAE but also contributes significantly to global lunar research and the ongoing exploration of the Moon.
With Bahrain gearing up to mark its place on the Moon, the NSSA-MBRSC collaboration sets a significant precedent for both countries and adds a powerful contribution to the global lunar research efforts. The joint mission showcases the capabilities and dedication of both nations to advance in space exploration and highlights the potential for future collaborations in the field of space science and technology. This historic lunar landing mission marks a new chapter in Bahrain’s deep space exploration journey and solidifies the nation’s position as a key player in the ever-evolving landscape of space exploration and research.
