The UAE’s space programs have rapidly gained global prominence, fueled by its ambitious goals and groundbreaking initiatives.
These cutting-edge projects showcase the nation’s unwavering commitment to advancing space exploration and strengthening the UAE’s forward-thinking approach.
Here is a brief overview of the UAE’s space programs that you need to know about.
UAE National Space Strategy 2030
Launched in March 2019, the UAE National Space Strategy 2030 has reinforced the foundations of the country’s space industry. The strategy provides a guiding blueprint for activities within the public and private sectors.
The UAE Space Agency (UAESA) spearheads this venture. Along with its strategic partners, the space agency collaborates with more than 20 international agencies and space centers to help the UAE achieve its space exploration ambitions.
UAE Asteroid Belt Exploration Project
Another important space program is the UAE Asteroid Belt Exploration Project. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, initiated this ambitious project at a ceremony in Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi.
Subsequently, at a press conference in Dubai, the UAESA officials shared the news that the “MBR Explorer” spacecraft is set for its space odyssey in March 2028.
Remarkably, this mission will be the world’s first multiple-asteroid tour and landing mission, exploring the Main Asteroid Belt between Mars and Jupiter.
Mohsen Al Awadhi, director of the Space Missions Department and project lead for the asteroid mission, recently made significant clarifications. He affirmed that the mission timeline extends to 13 years: six years of development and seven years of exploration.
Additionally, the MBR Explorer’s trajectory extends a breathtaking 5 bn kilometers into deep space. During its journey, the MBR Explorer will fly by Earth, Mars, and six asteroids, culminating in a planned landing on the final asteroid by 2034.
Read: Rashid Rover completes one month in space
UAE Astronaut Program
Initiated in 2017, this UAE space program aims to train and prepare a team of Emiratis to be sent to space for various scientific missions.
Significantly, the initiative targets the nation’s youth, encouraging their interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. It simultaneously cultivates a culture of research, innovation, and exploration.
As a landmark project in the Arab region, the program has marked its first triumph. In one noteworthy accomplishment, Hazzaa AlMansoori, the pioneering Emirati astronaut, undertook an eight-day expedition to the International Space Station.
This mission stemmed from a joint agreement between the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) and the Russian Space Agency, Roscosmos. Moreover, supporting the program’s financial needs is the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority.
Mars 2117
The MBRSC backs another compelling initiative known as Mars 2117. This UAE space program is a long-term project to establish a human settlement on Mars by 2117.
With a set timeline of around a century, this initiative is in cooperation with leading international space institutions. Consequently, the Mars 2117 strategy finds itself embedded within the UAE’s comprehensive space program.
Mars Scientific City
Along with this, the UAE plans to erect a building complex named Mars Scientific City. This will feature laboratories focusing on food, energy, and water, as well as agricultural testing and food security studies for the future.
Further enhancing its features, Mars Scientific City will have specifically designed laboratory setups. These labs will mimic the harsh terrain and adverse environment of the red planet, implementing advanced 3D printing technology and heat and radiation insulation.
A select team comprising scientists and astronauts will inhabit this simulated environment for one year, fully immersing themselves in this Mars-analog setting.
Emirati Interplanetary Mission 2028
Set to launch in 2028, this UAE space program represents a bold new chapter in the UAE’s space exploration.
It builds on the profound knowledge and experience gathered from the Emirates Mars Mission. Further, this mission signals substantial engagement from private firms in the UAE.
The spacecraft will navigate a vast 3.6 bn-kilometer trajectory over five years, and is scheduled to make its first close approach to Venus in mid-2028.
Subsequently, the mission will make a close pass on Earth in mid-2029. Meanwhile, the spacecraft’s first encounter with an object from the main asteroid belt is eagerly anticipated for 2030.
Continuing its journey, the spacecraft will further investigate a total of seven main belt asteroids. Finally, the mission is expected to make its final landing on an asteroid about 560 mn kilometers from Earth in 2033.
Achieving this milestone will etch the UAE’s name as the fourth nation in history to land a spacecraft on an asteroid.
Final thoughts
The pioneering spirit and ambitious vision of the UAE’s space programs showcase its commitment to fostering progress and expanding human understanding.
In addition, these endeavors advance our collective journey as a species and civilization towards exploring worlds other than our own.
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