UAE: SpaceOps 2023 concludes in Dubai with over 1,100 international attendees

Dubai: The 17th International Conference on Space Operations (SpaceOps 2023), the largest in the event’s history, is hosted by Dubai’s Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) and the International Space Technology Exchange Committee for Mission Operations and Ground Data Systems held its closing ceremony at the Dubai World Trade Center yesterday.

For the first time ever, SpaceOps 2023 was held in the Arab world, with more than 1,100 participants from more than 70 countries attending a five-day event that included plenary sessions, informative lectures, in-depth technical sessions and interactive workshops.

The conference featured more than 100 sessions under the theme “Investing in Space to Serve Earth and Beyond,” and received more than 550 papers and abstracts from more than 50 countries.

In addition to the attendees, SpaceOps 2023 also attracted participation from seven space agencies around the world, including NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) , the French Space Agency (CNES), the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).

A total of 30 space exhibitors from all over the world also presented their stands at the event’s exhibit, showcasing the latest innovations and services in the space sector.

MBRSC Director General Salem Humaid Al Marri said: “We are proud to host the largest space operation in history and the first ever in the Arab world in Dubai. By bringing together the brightest minds in the space industry to discuss the latest developments and With innovation, we are able to explore new frontiers and push the boundaries of space exploration and technology.”

He added: “Going forward, we are committed to continuing to inspire and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and space explorers. Through events like SpaceOps2023, we aim to create a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing that will help us unlock to realize the full potential of space and realize our common goal of exploring and understanding the universe around us,” he added.

Adnan Al Rais, Chairman of the SpaceOps 2023 Local Organizing Committee, said: “As SpaceOps 2023 comes to a close, I am confident that the conversations we have had and the connections we have made will shape the future of the space industry. We leave with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for the future. I encourage everyone to continue the conversation we initiated here and to continue exploring new frontiers in space exploration. Together we can unlock the potential of space technology for the benefit of humanity.”

During the closing ceremony, Al Rais and the team from MBRSC handed over the SpaceOps flag to Gerard Gallet and Hubert Fraysse from CNES, who will host the next SpaceOps Workshop.

The 2023 SpaceOps Awards, also presented at the closing ceremony, recognize and honor outstanding teams and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to space operations through accomplishments in a specific mission or lifetime, or who have rendered outstanding service to SpaceOps organizations and conferences.

Additionally, the SpaceOps 2023 Best Paper Awards were announced during the event, with the top 30 research papers going to the post-conference book. Saeed Al Mansouri, Chair of the Technical Programs Committee, presented Mohammed Irfan Rashed with the Best Student Paper Award for his paper on “Mission and Operational Planning for Small Satellite Constellations Using Autonomous Systems”.

The final day of the event kicked off with a plenary session on “Planetary Defense”, with panelists from NASA, JAXA, DLR, ESA, JHUAPL and CNRS/Câte d’Azur Observatory. Also partnered with parts from ESA, Space Commerce Matters, Redwire, Thales Alenia Space, Exploration Company, ALTEC and Panels.

Panelists discussed the emerging LEO market and its new operational challenges from a commercial and institutional perspective and the solutions offered by new space vehicles. The final day also includes oral presentations of abstracts and papers highlighting unique and innovative practices, techniques and experiences from which others in the space operations community will benefit.

Themed “Investing in Space for Earth and Beyond,” the five-day international forum provided delegates with an invaluable opportunity to explore all aspects of space mission operations, including robotics, humans, Earth orbit and deep space operations.

In addition to showcasing how advanced space technologies can contribute to finding solutions for the future of humanity, the event also provided insights into the latest technologies and opportunities in the space domain.