Saudi Arabia’s first Arab satellite Shams: All You Need to Know
Antara
Saudi Arabia made history in April 2026 by launching its satellite Shams, marking a major milestone in the nation’s growing ambitions in space exploration and technology.
The satellite was launched as part of the Artemis II mission, an international program focused on advancing space science and preparing for future missions to the Moon and beyond.
With the launch of Shams, Saudi Arabia became the first Arab nation to participate in a mission under the Artemis program led by global space partners.
Shams operates in a highly elliptical orbit ranging from about 500 kilometers to nearly 70,000 kilometers above Earth, enabling wide coverage for monitoring space conditions.
The main goal of the Shams satellite is to study space weather, including solar radiation, magnetic fields, and high-energy particles that can affect Earth-based technologies.
Data collected by Shams can help improve the safety and reliability of critical systems such as communication networks, aviation operations, and satellite navigation services worldwide.
The satellite was developed by Saudi scientists and engineers, reflecting the country’s investment in local talent and its broader plan to build a strong domestic space industry.
The mission supports Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategy to diversify its economy and strengthen innovation through advanced technologies under its national development vision.
Shams is expected to boost international collaboration in space research and position Saudi Arabia as an emerging player in the global space race in the coming years.