BSA concludes second phase of satellite payload development project for carbon dioxide

The Bahrain Space Agency (BSA) has announced the completion of the second phase of its project to develop a satellite payload for monitoring carbon dioxide, in collaboration with the University of Leicester and British company Geospatial Insight.

The £1.4 million project was funded by the UK Space Agency’s International Bilateral Fund.

During this phase, Bahraini engineers worked alongside British experts to design the mission concept and develop a hyperspectral camera for oxygen detection, which will enhance the accuracy of carbon dioxide monitoring. The team also contributed to the development of a carbon dioxide sensor and participated in commercial studies to assess the project’s broader applications for Bahrain and the Gulf region.

Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Al Aseeri, Chief Executive of the BSA, highlighted that the collaboration aligns with the agency’s strategy to build international partnerships and expand its capabilities, particularly in delivering advanced data and imagery services to benefit Bahrain and the Gulf.

Rasha Al Amad, Head of Strategic Planning, emphasised the importance of accurate greenhouse gas monitoring for effective climate action, noting that reliable carbon dioxide data is essential for countries and organisations to understand emissions patterns and develop strategies for carbon neutrality.

Space engineer Yaqoob Al Qassab described the project’s second phase as a significant milestone, providing Bahraini engineers with advanced technical expertise. Once launched, the payload will deliver high-speed, real-time data on carbon dioxide emissions for Bahrain and the Gulf region. The project ultimately aims to deploy a constellation of satellites equipped with this technology.