Reaching for the stars! A profile of the UAE Space Programme
The UAE government has invested heavily in space exploration initiatives as part of its long-term vision. In a short time, UAE has developed an impressive agenda leading the way in space exploration. Let’s look at the history of these endeavours and shed light on what the future holds for the UAE Space Programme.
OVERVIEW OF THE UAE SPACE PROGRAMME
The UAE recognised the importance of space exploration early. In 1976, the founder of the United Arab Emirates, the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may he forever rest in peace) welcomed a NASA delegation, which was the starting point of an amazing journey.
Today, there are multiple UAE-based space centres, institutions and companies. This list includes:
- Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)
- UAE Space Agency
- Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat)
- Thuraya Telecommunications Company
The first UAE satellite became operational in the late 1990s. Today, the country operates several satellites, including DubaiSat 1, DubaiSat 2, Al Yah 1, Al Yah 2, Al Yah 3, KhalifaSat and Nayif-1.
This reflects in terms of the investment being made, too. The UAE invested AED 22 billion in space-related activities in the five years between 2015 and 2020. The result has been multiple space missions that have elevated UAE’s position as a country working towards revealing the universe’s secrets.
UAE SPACE MISSIONS
Here’s a look at the different UAE space missions.
EMIRATES LUNAR MISSION
In December 2022, United Arab Emirates became the first Arab country to launch a lunar rover, Rashid Rover. It was only the fourth country in the world to achieve this feat. The Rashid Rover was a four-wheeled, solar-powered machine with a thermal imager and high-resolution cameras. While the rover was unsuccessful in its first attempt at lunar landing, work on a new mission with Rashid Rover II has been announced. Hence, work on Emirates Lunar Mission continues.
EMIRATES MARS MISSION
In February 2021, Hope Probe entered orbit around Mars in its first attempt, sending signals from 192 million km away. UAE became the first Arab nation to reach the orbit of the Red Planet. The Emirates Mars Mission is a sign of the technological development the UAE has achieved in a short period, mainly thanks to an incredible Emirati team.
Success!
The Hope Probe reached the orbit of Mars, where it will provide the first holistic picture of the Martian atmosphere.#EmiratesMarsMission #ArabsToMars pic.twitter.com/xsheQ0WPkH— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) February 9, 2021
UAE ASTRONAUT PROGRAMME
The UAE Astronaut Programme has been a tremendous success. Hazza Al Mansouri was the first Emirati to travel to outer space. Dr Sultan Saif Al Neyadi was part of the first batch of astronauts. At the same time, the second batch had Mohammed Al Mulla and the country’s first woman astronaut, Nora Almatrooshi. Both have now received their silver astronaut pin in a celebration at the Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas.
This programme has also helped popularise the work the UAE has done in the recent past, and it is likely to inspire a future generation of astronauts, engineers and scientists.
Here’s a comprehensive UAE Astronaut programme guide that highlights the goals and objectives.
LUNAR GATEWAY
In 2024, the UAE joined the US, Japan, Canada, and the European Union (EU) in implementing the Lunar Gateway project. The UAE will be operating the station’s Crew and Science Airlock module for up to 15 years. The duration can be extended.
UAE will now also have a permanent seat and contribute significantly to the world’s largest lunar and space exploration programme.
VENUS AND ASTEROID MISSION
Scheduled for 2028, UAE’s Asteroid Mission is perhaps its most complicated and challenging space endeavour thus far. The total journey for this mission will be 3.6 billion kilometres, seven times the distance of the Hope Probe.
Scientific objectives have been set and seven asteroids have been identified, including the one where the spacecraft will land. Their names are 10253 Westerwald, 623 Chimaera, 13294 Rockox, 88055, 23871, 59980 and the landing attempt asteroid 269 Justitia. The UAE Space Agency announced the launch of MBR Explorer, which will be part of the Asteroid Mission.
The MBR Explorer is scheduled for launch in 2028, starting its 7 year journey to the asteroid belt to explore 7 astroids. The journey will see the spacecraft perform a series of close flybys to make unique observations of seven main belt asteroids. pic.twitter.com/sbQ4Vg5mpW
— وكالة الإمارات للفضاء (@uaespaceagency) May 29, 2023
THE NATIONAL SPACE POLICY
The National Space Policy has outlined key principles on which the Space Programmes are based.
- Enhance the lives of citizens.
- Support UAE national interests.
- Support growth and diversification of the economy.
- Promote collaboration and support UAE status.
- Respect international laws and treaties.
UAE SPACE PROGRAMME GOALS
The outlined UAE space programme goals reflect a desire to further the cause of humanity and improve the lives of UAE citizens. Here’s a breakdown of the goals:
- Expand the utilisation of space to protect and support the vital sector.
- Develop a sustainable, competitive and innovative commercial space industry.
- Conduct scientific space missions.
- Promote a safe and stable space environment that supports sustainable space activities.
- Establish and expand UAE’s leadership in space regionally and internationally.
UAE SPACE PROGRAMME – THE FUTURE
The UAE Space Programme has become a key goal for the country. In 2022, an AED 3 billion National Space Fund was launched by the UAE Space Agency. This fund will support Emirati and international companies operating in space sector engineering, sciences and research. Similarly, Space Economic Zones Programme has been launched to support SMEs in this sector.
Notably, the UAE has signed collaboration agreements with NASA, Japan, and China as well as MOAs with the US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), the U.K., China, the National Space Science Agency, Germany, the Kingdom of Bahrain, Canada, the Algerian Space Agency, Sweden, Japan, Russia and Italy.
So, it’s the Venus Mission or other ‘impossible’ endeavours, the UAE will continue to take giant steps with the help of its international partners.
UAE SPACE ACADEMY
To achieve the goals of the future, The UAE Space Agency announced the launch of the National Space Academy in collaboration with the National Space Fund.
This reflects the long term goals to promote sustainability of the national space programmes and foster human resource development.
The Academy will give a chance to young Emiratis to enhance their expertise in space science and technology. It will offer a unique environment fostering innovation by seamlessly integrating cutting-edge academic research practices and hands-on practical experience. In the long run, this will aid the UAE national space programme.
FAQS
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE UAE SPACE AGENCY?
The UAE Space Agency was established in the year 2014. It works on establishing partnerships, advancing national and regional space exploration, assisting academic programs and investing in research, development and commercial space projects. It has played a pivotal role in the development of the space programme in the UAE.
WHAT ROLE HAS MBRSC PLAYED IN UAE’S SPACE PROGRAMME?
Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre is the key force behind the success of many of UAE’s space programs. The list includes UAE Astronaut Programme, Mars Mission and satellite launches.
As we conclude our journey through the history of the UAE’s space missions, it is evident that the country has made tremendous progress. UAE space programme launch was significant moment for not just the country but also for humanity. Looking ahead, there is no doubt that we can expect more initiatives that will advance our understanding of the universe to new heights.
Featured image credit: Emirates Mars Mission – UAE Space Agency Official Website
