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From Earth to Space, UAE Astronaut, Dr AS Sultan Alneyadi Proudly donned the UAE flag on his spacesuit while performing the first spacewalk by an Arab and Muslim astronaut. A testament to the vision and ambition of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, Al Neyadi set a new milestone for future Emiratis while positioning the UAE as a key player in the global space field. The UAE’s commitment to space research and innovation is evident through its various initiatives and programs to ensure the long-term success of its indigenous space industry.
Space exploration is of great importance to the United Arab Emirates, and it took another major leap forward when Al Neyadi arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) in March as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 mission, marking the first long-duration mission in the Arab world SpaceX space missions and the UAE’s second ISS mission.
Dr Al Neyadi’s visit to the International Space Station provides the UAE with the opportunity to participate in collaborative scientific research. In addition to collecting data that will help doctors treat and prevent space-related heart disease, Al Neyadi will assist with technology experiments, including the fabrication of 3D printed tools and components—a practice critical to the success of future deep space missions.
However, the UAE is looking to achieve broader goals.
UAE’s wider goals
By investing in space-related activities, the UAE intends to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil. The UAE has set goals to transform into a knowledge-based economy, and space exploration is seen as a key area of ​​growth and development for the country. Additionally, the UAE sees space exploration as a way to enhance its international reputation and promote the country as a global technology leader.By investing in space-related activities, UAE aims to position itself as a hub Space Research and Innovation in the Middle East and beyond.
As a rising space power, one of the most notable examples of the UAE’s space diplomacy is the UAE Mars mission, which will send the country’s first spacecraft, the Hope probe, to Mars in 2021. The mission involved collaboration with scientists and engineers from several countries, including the United States, Japan and the United Kingdom. The UAE’s participation in the mission demonstrates the country’s commitment to international cooperation in space exploration and research.
The UAE made history by becoming the first Arab country and the fifth in the world to reach Mars as the Hope spacecraft successfully entered orbit around Mars. As early as 2017, the UAE announced the construction of the Mars Science City to simulate human settlements on Mars. The city will be used for research and development of technologies for human exploration of Mars.
Another example of the UAE’s space diplomacy is its participation in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. The UAE has been an active member of the Committee and has contributed to its work to promote the peaceful uses of outer space and develop international space law.
The country’s space agency, the UAE Space Agency, has established partnerships with a number of countries and international organizations, and has signed cooperation agreements with NASA, Japan, China, and the European Space Agency, and has cooperated with the US Strategic Command, the United Kingdom, China, and the National Center for Space Science and Technology. The UAE has also doubled the size of its astronaut corps, including selecting its first Arab female astronaut.
In 2022, the UAE launched an $820 million fund to advance its space program, with the first investment going to a constellation of remote-sensing satellites. One of the main objectives of the UAE space program is to ensure the safety and sustainability of its space assets. The UAE operates several satellites for various purposes, including remote sensing, Earth observation and communications. These satellites are vital to the economic, social and strategic development of the UAE.
In terms of space security, the UAE has taken several measures to mitigate risks to its space assets. For example, the UAE Space Agency has developed space debris mitigation guidelines to minimize the risk of collisions with space debris. The UAE is also investing in space situational awareness technology to enhance its ability to detect and track potential threats to its space assets.
Minimize human influence
Regarding space sustainability, the UAE Space Agency has developed a Space Sustainability Rating System to assess and promote sustainable space practices, ensuring that human impact on the celestial environment is minimized.
There are several initiatives and programs that demonstrate the UAE’s commitment to positioning itself as a hub for space research and innovation in the Middle East and beyond.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center is a key player in the UAE space industry. It is responsible for developing and implementing the nation’s space strategy and enhancing its space capabilities. The center also conducts research, develops technology and conducts space missions.
In 2020, Dubai launched the Space Science Strategy, which aims to enhance Dubai’s space science capabilities and contribute to the global space community. The strategy focuses on developing the necessary infrastructure, R&D and human capital to support Dubai’s space ambitions.
Space exploration is also a way to inspire and engage the country’s youth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. In recent years, the UAE has placed great emphasis on education and workforce development, with investing in space exploration seen as a way to encourage more students to pursue STEM careers.
Through the ambitious UAE-driven space programme, the UAE aims to play a key role in paving the way for future space exploration and research, inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers while contributing to the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space. With the UAE’s pioneering spirit leading it to become one of the first nations to send a crewed mission to Mars, the country is poised to cement its leadership in the global space community.
Dr. Kristian Alexander is a Senior Research Fellow and Director of the International Security and Terrorism Program at TRENDS Research & Advisory in Dubai. Gina Bou Serhal is a researcher at the Strategic Research Department of Trend Research and Consulting in Dubai.
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