Riyadh, April 04, 2026(Kamran Raja): The Saudi Space Agency today announced the successful launch and initial communication with the Saudi satellite “Shams,” deployed aboard the Artemis II mission using the Space Launch System (SLS). With this milestone, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia becomes the first Arab nation to participate in a mission under the Artemis program, aimed at advancing scientific innovation and fostering impactful international partnerships in space exploration.
The Artemis II mission, led by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in collaboration with global partners, represents the program’s second phase. It will carry a crew of four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft on the first crewed lunar flyby mission in over five decades, paving the way for future human missions to Mars. Alongside its primary objectives, the mission includes the Saudi satellite “Shams” as part of its scientific payload.
The “Shams” satellite will operate in a highly elliptical orbit (HEO), ranging from approximately 500 km to 70,000 km above Earth. This advanced orbit will enable extensive monitoring of solar and radiation activity, significantly enhancing space weather research and supporting critical scientific and operational applications.
This mission marks several firsts for the Kingdom. “Shams” is the first Arab satellite launched as part of the Artemis program and the first Saudi national mission dedicated to space weather monitoring. The satellite was fully developed by Saudi talent, supported by initiatives under the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030.
The mission will focus on four key scientific domains: space radiation, solar X-rays, Earth’s magnetic field, and high-energy solar particles. Data gathered will contribute to improving the reliability and sustainability of critical sectors such as communications, aviation, and navigation by enhancing preparedness against space weather impacts.
Acting CEO of the Saudi Space Agency, Dr. Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi, stated that the achievement reflects the Kingdom’s growing capabilities in space technology, made possible through the continued support of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He emphasized that the milestone underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing scientific excellence and playing an active role in shaping the future of global space exploration.
CEO of NIDLP, Jameel bin Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, highlighted that the domestic development of the “Shams” satellite demonstrates the program’s success in localizing advanced technologies and strengthening national industrial capabilities, in alignment with Vision 2030 objectives.
The Saudi Space Agency reaffirmed that this achievement reflects the Kingdom’s strategic vision to promote innovation, empower national talent, and expand international cooperation, further solidifying its position as a key contributor to the future of space exploration.