Saudi Arabia Makes History by Sending ‘Shams’ Satellite with Artemis II Mission
Saudi Arabia has made history by sending its “Shams” satellite aboard Artemis II, becoming the first Arab nation to join the landmark lunar program.
The mission, launched by NASA on April 1 using the Space Launch System rocket from Kennedy Space Center, aims to take humans near the Moon for the first time in over 50 years.
The 10-day mission will carry a crew of four astronauts on a journey of approximately 685,000 miles, orbiting the Moon before returning safely to Earth.
According to international media reports, Saudi Arabia’s participation marks a significant milestone. The Saudi Space Agency stated that the “Shams” satellite will orbit the Earth at an altitude of 500 to 709 kilometers, collecting data on climate change and other environmental factors.
Artemis II is also historic for its diverse crew, as it includes the first Black astronaut assigned to a lunar mission, as well as the first woman and the first non-American astronaut to be part of such a mission.
If successful, the astronauts will set a new record by traveling more than 250,000 miles into space.
Previously, Artemis I successfully completed its journey to the Moon and back in November 2022, although it did not carry any human crew.
The Artemis II mission is designed to pave the way for future crewed lunar landings by testing systems and capabilities needed to safely send humans around the Moon and back.
