# Najm-1

> Saudi satellite dedicated to space photography and tracking naval ships

**Wikidata**: [Q106066524](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106066524)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/najm-1

## Summary
Najm-1 is a Saudi satellite dedicated to space photography and tracking naval ships. Launched in 2021, it serves as an Earth observation satellite and an AIS (Automatic Identification System) satellite, allowing it to monitor maritime vessels. Developed by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, it was launched aboard a Soyuz-2.1a rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome.

## Key Facts
- **Classifications**: Earth observation satellite and AIS satellite
- **Launch date**: March 22, 2021, at 06:07:12 UTC
- **Launch vehicle**: Soyuz-2.1a (V 15000-044)
- **Launch site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Operator**: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology
- **Country of origin**: United States (manufactured)
- **Country of operation**: Saudi Arabia
- **Mass**: 75 kg (launch weight)
- **Space tug**: Fregat (122-05)
- **COSPAR ID**: 2021-022R
- **Aliases**: Shaheen Sat, ShaheenSat, Najm1
- **Website**: [Arabic](https://shaheensat.kacst.gov.sa/), [English](https://shaheensat.kacst.gov.sa/index-en.html)

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of Najm-1?
A: Najm-1 is designed for space photography and tracking naval ships, functioning as both an Earth observation satellite and an AIS satellite.

### Q: Who operates Najm-1?
A: The satellite is operated by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in Saudi Arabia.

### Q: How was Najm-1 launched?
A: Najm-1 was launched on March 22, 2021, aboard a Soyuz-2.1a rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31.

### Q: What is the mass of Najm-1?
A: The satellite has a launch weight of 75 kilograms.

### Q: What is the significance of Najm-1’s AIS capabilities?
A: As an AIS satellite, Najm-1 can track maritime vessels, providing valuable data for naval monitoring and maritime security.

## Why It Matters
Najm-1 represents a significant advancement in Saudi Arabia’s space capabilities, particularly in Earth observation and maritime tracking. By combining space photography with AIS functionality, it enhances the Kingdom’s ability to monitor naval activity, which is crucial for regional security and maritime safety. The satellite’s development underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in space technology, aligning with broader regional and global efforts to strengthen space-based surveillance and defense systems. As part of the ShaheenSat program, Najm-1 contributes to Saudi Arabia’s broader space ambitions, including satellite manufacturing and operational independence.

## Notable For
- **Dual-purpose satellite**: Combines Earth observation and AIS tracking, making it unique among Saudi satellites.
- **First Saudi AIS satellite**: One of the first satellites developed by Saudi Arabia specifically for maritime monitoring.
- **Soyuz-2.1a launch**: Successfully launched aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket, demonstrating Saudi-Russian space collaboration.
- **KACST-operated**: Operated by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, showcasing Saudi expertise in satellite management.
- **Regional maritime security**: Enhances Saudi Arabia’s ability to track naval movements, supporting regional security efforts.

## Body
### Overview
Najm-1 is a Saudi satellite developed by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). It was launched on March 22, 2021, aboard a Soyuz-2.1a rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31. The satellite is classified as both an Earth observation satellite and an AIS (Automatic Identification System) satellite, enabling it to capture images of Earth and track maritime vessels.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 75 kg (launch weight)
- **Space tug**: Fregat (122-05)
- **COSPAR ID**: 2021-022R
- **Launch vehicle**: Soyuz-2.1a (V 15000-044)

### Mission and Capabilities
Najm-1 is dedicated to space photography and tracking naval ships. As an AIS satellite, it can receive and process signals from maritime vessels equipped with AIS transponders, providing real-time tracking data. Its Earth observation capabilities allow it to capture high-resolution images of Earth, supporting various applications in environmental monitoring, disaster management, and national security.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch date**: March 22, 2021, at 06:07:12 UTC
- **Launch site**: Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31
- **Launch vehicle**: Soyuz-2.1a

### Operator and Management
- **Operator**: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
- **Country of operation**: Saudi Arabia
- **Country of origin**: United States (manufactured)

### Significance
Najm-1 is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader space program, including the ShaheenSat initiative. The satellite’s development and launch mark a milestone in Saudi space capabilities, particularly in Earth observation and maritime tracking. It supports Saudi Arabia’s strategic goals in space technology, including satellite manufacturing and operational independence.

### Related Entities
- **AIS satellite**: A class of artificial satellites designed to track maritime vessels using AIS.
- **Earth observation satellite**: A class of artificial satellites specifically designed to observe Earth from orbit.
- **Soyuz-2.1a**: A version of the Soyuz-2 rocket used for launching satellites.

### References
- [Space Skyrocket](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/najm-1.htm)
- [KACST Website (Arabic)](https://shaheensat.kacst.gov.sa/)
- [KACST Website (English)](https://shaheensat.kacst.gov.sa/index-en.html)

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/najm-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report