RIYADH, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia on Saturday successfully launched its "Shams" satellite aboard the Space Launch System as part of the Artemis II mission, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

With this achievement, the Kingdom becomes the first Arab nation to participate in a mission under the Artemis program, the SPA said.

Artemis II, the second phase of the Artemis program led by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is a collaborative international effort aimed at accelerating space science and innovation.

The "Shams" satellite will operate in a highly elliptical orbit ranging from some 500-70,000 km above Earth, enabling wide coverage for monitoring solar and radiation activity and supporting advanced space weather research, the SPA said.

It reflects the kingdom's commitment to developing its space sector through innovation, cultivating national talent, and strengthening global partnerships, the SPA added.