‘No response from govt, media’

KUWAIT CITY, July 8: Dr Bassam Al-Faili, the brain behind the ‘Kuwait Moon’ project – the first artificial satellite in the history of Kuwait which was launched in the United States of America, disclosed that the most painful thing for any creator (whether he created a work of art or invented something) is the lack of interest among the government agencies and official media, especially if the creator raised the name of Kuwait and its flag in international forums, reports Al-Qabas daily.

Speaking to the daily, Al-Faili pointed out that despite this achievement, he has had no interaction with any of the government officials in the country and did not get the attention of the State’s official media.

He revealed that he initiated contact with the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority regarding the establishment of a ground station in the country to receive signals from the Kuwaiti satellite; so it is open and available to everyone, especially the students, but it is unfortunate that there has been no response from the authority.

“Sadly, I will implement the ground station project in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as I felt that the Kuwaiti government is not interested. The Emirates showed interest, gave me a position and it now provides all facilities as an initiative that will be offered to students free of charge,” he added.

He said the official media was absent when the satellite was launched, but he has started receiving calls from them to hold meetings.

He pointed out the launching of the satellite highlights the ability of Kuwaitis in satellite technology with knowledge in manufacturing and organizing satellites.

“The launching of the satellite is like announcing to the entire world that Kuwait is entering the field of satellites. ‘Kuwait Moon’ will broadcast the national anthem and an introductory message about the satellite,” he explained.

He asserted other Gulf countries are putting capacity-building in space as one of their priorities and national strategies, urging Kuwait to take the same steps even if it is in its infancy as it requires the attention of officials.