The National Space Science Agency will cooperate with the University of Bahrain and Bahrain Polytechnic among other prominent academic institutions based in development countries.
Bahrain has revealed that it is setting up a highly-qualified team to launch its first artificial satellite in space within two years, it was announced in a statement published by the Bahrain News Agency.
The National Space Science Agency (NSSA) will cooperate with the University of Bahrain and Bahrain Polytechnic among other prominent academic institutions based in development countries.
Speaking on the Instagram Live account of the Bahrain News Agency (@BNAnews), Transportation and Telecommunications Minister in charge of the NSSA, Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, said: ?The Kingdom is planning to optimise the use of space sciences within five years to serve national development and keep abreast of global strides.
?The NSSA has so far received up to 400 applications to be part of the team and we are expecting the number of candidates to increase as the deadline to apply will expire on the 29th of July.?
Ten fresh university engineering graduates aged less than 35 years would be selected to make up the nucleus of the planned space team.
?A five-member jury made up of NSSA officials and overseas experts will select the ten candidates in total transparency?, the minister said, adding that he would personally meet the candidates who undergo a two-year-training programme which starts in October.
The first artificial satellite is planned to be announced within six months, the minister expressed during the Instagram Live Broadcast which was followed by up to 4700 people.
A total of fifteen companies have so far expressed their readiness to support and fund the construction of the artificial satellite, in addition to employing and training the ten selected candidates.
The NSSA minister extended thanks to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for their support.
