The global space economy grew eight percent in 2022, hitting $546 bn in value according to a report by Space Foundation. The report further revealed that the industry will grow by 41 percent to hit around $800 bn in the next five years.
Thomas Dorame, senior vice president at Space Foundation, said that the increase in 2023 space launch activity bolsters this forecast.
The growth is a welcome development in a niche that the US and Russia have been dominating since the 1960s. Today, more than 90 nations are actively making significant progress in space exploration, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The UAE recently hit new space milestones. Emirati astronaut Sultan al-Neyadi completed the longest-ever Arab space mission, which lasted six months. Additionally, Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s second book was launched at the International Space Station (ISS).
Emirati astronaut completes space mission
On Monday, the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced the successful return of al-Neyadi and his three crewmates. The team, which also includes two NASA astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut, boarded the SpaceX Dragon capsule. They concluded their 17-hour space journey with a splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida.
Before heading home, al-Neyadi and his fellow crew members will undergo comprehensive medical examinations. The Emirati astronaut will also join celebrations once he returns to the UAE.
In a post on X, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed expressed a congratulatory message to the 42-year-old flight engineer. “The people of the UAE are immensely proud of you and the entire team for achieving major advances in space exploration. You carried the dreams of a nation to new frontiers, and we celebrate your pioneering journey and safe return.”
While on the ISS, he took photographs of various Middle Eastern cities and landmarks, such as Baghdad, Beirut, and the Suez Canal.
Read: UAE President, Dubai Ruler praises successful launch of UAE space mission
UAE Prime Minister’s book launched in space
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, also launched his second children’s book aboard the ISS. This coincided with the conclusion of the al-Neyadi’s mission.
Titled “The Journey From the Desert to the Stars,” the book comprises five stories. Collectively, they celebrate key moments in the country’s development, from its foundation to its ambitious space missions. The stories include “The Northern Tent,” “My First Journey,” “The Secrets of the Sea,” “First Place,” and “My First Teacher.”
Al-Neyadi marked the occasion by reading select passages.
“Today, I’m thrilled to share with you, from space, the launch of the second children’s book by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid,” stated al-Neyadi in a video taken during the event.
“It features inspiring tales from His Highness’s life, presented in an engaging manner, brimming with hope and ambition, and aimed at children in the UAE and worldwide,” he further remarked.
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