Bahrain has set up a “space team” with the aim of launching the kingdom’s first satellite into orbit in the next two years, according to the country’s state-run Bahrain News Agency (BNA).
According to Kamal bin Ahmad, Bahrain’s transportation and telecommunications minister who is also in charge of the National Space Science Agency (NSSA), the plan forms part of a larger effort to breathe life into the country’s space programme.
“The kingdom is planning to optimise the use of space sciences within five years to serve national development and keep abreast of global strides,” he said.
Ahmad said that the space agency has launched a campaign to attract Bahraini nationals and private sector investment.
“The agency has so far received up to 400 applications to be part of the team,” he said, adding that the number is expected to rise as its July 29 deadline approaches.
Of the candidates, 10 fresh university engineering graduates below the age of 35 will be selected to form the core of Bahrain’s space programme. They will then undertake a two-year training programme.
“A five-member jury made up of NSSA officials and overseas experts will select the ten candidates in total transparency,” he said.
Further details of the Bahraini satellite are likely to be announced in the coming six months, he added. According to Bahraini authorities, 15 companies have so far expressed a willingness to support and fund the programme.
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