As part of the World Space Week celebrations, the UAE Space Agency is hosting the inaugural Space Research Conference 2024 from October 8 to 10. This event marks the first of its kind in the UAE, uniting a diverse array of prominent academics, scientists, industry collaborators, and policymakers from around the globe. Noteworthy attendees include Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, minister of State for Youth Affairs and UAE Astronaut, along with several senior officials, highlighting a pivotal moment for the nation’s burgeoning space sector.
Platform for innovation
The conference is designed to enhance awareness and steer research initiatives in alignment with the UAE’s space sector priorities. It aims to promote knowledge sharing and foster collaboration among researchers, scientists, and industry experts. Additionally, it seeks to strengthen partnerships to achieve common research goals. Moreover, the Space Research Conference offers a platform for STEM students, researchers, and industry leaders to present cutting-edge research and technological advancements, engage in discussions about new developments, and explore future opportunities across various fields of space science and technology. It also encourages collaborative ventures between the space and academic communities.
Importance of space research
Al Neyadi stated that space research plays a critical role in advancing humanity’s understanding of the universe and addressing challenges on Earth. He explained that it facilitates the development of innovative technologies, improves lives worldwide, and promotes a sustainable future. He described the conference as an essential platform for collaboration, bringing together experts, scholars, and industry leaders to explore new opportunities and foster innovation. Also, he noted that supporting such initiatives contributes not only to building a strong space ecosystem in the UAE but also to the global endeavor of advancing science and technology for the benefit of everyone.
Alignment with national priorities
Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, director-general of the UAE Space Agency, noted that the Space Research Conference presents a significant opportunity for fostering collaboration between researchers and academics. He emphasized that the conference aims to align research efforts with the UAE’s space sector priorities, which encompass six key areas: satellite communications, positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), Earth observation, access to space and sustainability, space exploration, and space situational awareness. Additionally, he highlighted that the event reflects the UAE Space Agency’s commitment to nurturing national talent by improving research capabilities and cultivating a culture of innovation and creativity, thereby ensuring active involvement in the future of the national space sector.
Launch of the Space Research Platform
In conjunction with the conference, the UAE Space Agency will unveil the Space Research Platform, a comprehensive resource and search engine featuring the latest research, white papers, publications, scientific articles, and more across various space-related disciplines. This platform also includes a database of researchers contributing to the UAE’s space sector, showcasing over 450 scientific publications and uniting more than 200 specialized researchers in the field.
Conference highlights and key sessions
Additionally, the platform facilitates access to the most recent research, publications, and space-related resources, promoting information sharing between researchers and experts. It provides a dedicated space for researchers to exhibit their work and disseminate knowledge that propels advancements in space exploration, technology, and related areas.
The conference will feature key general sessions with inspiring opening remarks and presentations from industry and academic partners, including the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, Space42, Technology Innovation Institute (TII), National Space Science and Technology Centre (NSSTC), and Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, as well as contributions from New York University Abu Dhabi, Khalifa University, and other research participants.
Day 1 activities and networking
Day one kicked off with opening remarks and a series of presentations led by the UAE Space Agency, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, Space42, and TII, focusing on the latest advancements in space technology and future opportunities in this vital sector. Participants had the chance to network and exchange expertise with leading institutions and companies.
Activities on the first day also included the Space for Sustainability hackathon, organized in collaboration with Space42, Planet, Thales, and the Youth Councils. This two-day event will further address sustainability challenges through the lens of space technology. Sixty experts and mentors, along with 18 entrepreneurial teams, will work to devise innovative solutions for five climate-related issues, including flood disaster management, climate-related losses, air quality monitoring, water quality forecasting, and the mapping of mangroves.
Academic presentations on Day 2
The second day of the conference centered on academic presentations from prominent space scientists and specialists. The day commenced with insights from the National Centre for Space Science and Technology and the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, showcasing the latest in scientific research and space exploration. Additionally, New York University Abu Dhabi and Khalifa University presented on technology and innovation in space exploration and navigation. Discussions also covered the UAE’s analogue program, including initiatives like the HERA analogue, which simulates the International Space Station (ISS) environment in partnership with NASA and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre.
Read more: UAE space exploration soars to new heights: Mars and beyond
Celebrating achievements on Day 3
The final day of the Space Research Conference 2024 will celebrate the accomplishments of two graduating cohorts from the National Space Academy. It will also recognize participants from the Space Applications Courses and the Seed Programme focused on engineering and developing satellite systems in collaboration with Space42 and Edge Group, culminating in a ceremony to award certificates of appreciation to the involved experts. Moreover, the winners of the research paper competition, spanning six distinct fields and evaluated by a panel of experts, will be announced.
Research contributions and submissions
The conference received over 100 submissions in key domains of national space policy, including satellite communications, positioning, navigation, and timing technologies, Earth observation, sustainability, access to space, space exploration, and space situational awareness. These papers were presented by a distinguished group of experts and specialists from various academic and research institutions within the space sector.
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