UAE is moving forward with a space mission centered on the moon, with the ultimate goal being Mars

 

While establishing a human settlement on Mars is the main goal of the UAE’s space missions, the country is currently focusing 70% of its attention on the Moon, according to Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC).

In a discussion at the World Governments Summit, Al Marri explained that lunar exploration is an essential step towards discovering life on Mars. The UAE is working towards its bold goal of establishing a human settlement on Mars by 2117. He added that data collected from the Moon could be used for Mars exploration. Over the next five years, Moon-centric development will be leveraged for Mars missions.

Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, mentioned that information from the Mars mission will be crucial for understanding climate change on Earth. Al Marri expressed optimism that the UAE will be the first Arab country to lead space exploration, with an Emirati citizen expected to walk on the Moon within the next 10 years.

Impressive Success in a Short Time Despite being a young nation, just 53 years old, the UAE has made significant progress in space exploration due to visionary leadership. MBRSC, which started in 2005 with a small team of just three to four people, has now successfully conducted satellite and Mars missions. A quote by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum that left a mark on Al Qubaisi is: “The day we stop taking on challenges is the day UAE stops progressing.” MBRSC is the primary space research and development center in the UAE.

Key Projects at MBRSC:

• Emirates Mars Mission (Hope Probe): The UAE’s first space mission aimed at studying the atmosphere and climate of Mars.
• Rashid Rover: The UAE's first rover sent to the Moon to conduct scientific experiments on its surface.
• Mars 2117 Project: A long-term ambitious plan to establish a human settlement on Mars by 2117.
• Satellite Projects: UAE’s locally developed artificial satellites, such as KhalifaSat, used for environmental monitoring.

Why MBRSC is Important: MBRSC is a trailblazer in space research in the Middle East. It inspires the UAE's youth to take an interest in space science and technology, collaborates with international space organizations like NASA, ESA, and JAXA, and aims to place the UAE on the global space map. Both local and international experts work at MBRSC, including:

• Emirati Scientists and Engineers: UAE’s young talent involved in the development of spacecraft, rovers, satellites, and data analysis.
• International Experts: Scientists and engineers from around the world working together.

Important Figures at MBRSC:

• Salem Humaid Al Marri: Director General of MBRSC.
• Hazzaa Al Mansoori: The first Emirati astronaut who went to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2019.
• Sultan Al Neyadi: The second Emirati astronaut who spent six months in space in 2023.

MBRSC's Major Roles:

• Space Mission Management: Handling the satellite, rover, and Mars and Moon missions.
• Data Analysis and Research: Teams dedicated to analyzing data received from space.
• Technology Development: Technical teams developing spacecraft, rovers, and satellites.
• International Collaboration: Working with NASA, ESA, and JAXA.

Founded in 2006, MBRSC launched KhalifaSat, UAE's first locally made satellite, in 2018. In 2020, the Hope Probe mission successfully entered Mars’ orbit. Rashid Rover, planned for launch in 2024-2025, will land on the Moon to conduct tests on its surface. The UAE’s Mars 2117 project is a long-term initiative to establish a human settlement on Mars by 2117.

MBRSC is positioning the UAE as a leader in global space competition, inspiring the country’s youth and providing opportunities for the next generation in space science and technology.