SAASST and UAE Space Agency strengthen scientific partnership
The discussion also focused on strengthening academic collaboration, particularly through offering internship opportunities, facilitating knowledge exchange, and developing academic programs aligned with the UAE's National Space Strategy. Both parties explored opportunities to launch applied research projects that would contribute to the advancement of the UAE's space sector. In addition, they emphasized the importance of supporting students and researchers through national initiatives aimed at empowering young talent and guiding them toward space-related disciplines.
This collaboration represents a model of integration between federal entities and academic institutions, enhancing the nation's readiness to contribute to regional and global space initiatives, while supporting the leadership's ambition to position the UAE as a global leader in space exploration, science, and technology.
During the visit, the Academy presented a brief overview of its key research and educational facilities, followed by a scientific show at the Sharjah Planetarium titled 'Deen Alqayima.' The delegation also toured several facilities and laboratories at the University of Sharjah, where they were introduced to the latest technologies and research equipment that support an innovative environment and contribute to preparing a new generation of distinguished researchers and scientists.
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The National
08-08-2025
- The National
Sleep like a hamster, wake up on Mars: Why hibernation is the future of deep space missions
The idea of astronauts snoozing their way to Mars may sound like something straight out of a Hollywood sci-fi movie, but scientists are exploring whether it could one day become a reality. Researchers in Europe and the US are studying whether slowing a person's metabolism could put them into a state of hibernation that lasts days, or even several weeks. The concept, known as torpor or synthetic hibernation, would involve reducing the body's metabolic activity to minimal levels, including lowering the heart rate and body temperature. Researchers believe this could help reduce the resources needed during space travel, while also protecting crew members from radiation and the effects of microgravity. 'Every kilogram launched into space is expensive,' said Dr Alexander Chouker, an academic director and physician at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and who works closely with the European Space Agency. 'We could cut down the need for food, water, oxygen and even space if you hibernate.' The agency commissioned studies looking at how hibernation could work during a mission to Mars, including theoretical designs of hibernation pods. The idea is to place astronauts into torpor for most of the journey, allowing them to wake up as they near their destination. What is torpor and how does it work? Some animals can enter a state of torpor naturally. It allows them to conserve energy by lowering their metabolism in response to environmental challenges such as cold or a scarcity of food. Dr Vladyslav Vyazovskiy, a professor of sleep physiology at the University of Oxford, has worked on studies involving mice and said they can enter a state of torpor when there is a lack of food. 'They calculate how much energy they need and enter this low-energy state for a few hours a day,' he told The National. 'Hamsters do it kind of proactively. They create conditions which remind them of winter. 'For example, when I make their day short and night long, they switch to winter mode, where they start entering torpor every day. My animals enter torpor at room temperature. You don't need to make it cold. The metabolic slowdown comes first, then the body cools down.' Even though there has been extensive research on animals, scientists still do not how to enable humans to enter the same state. Dr Vyazovskiy said sleep was one of the most important factors, but it is still not clear what kind of effect hibernation would have on a human brain. 'An important barrier is the dramatic change in physiology, in how the body and organism functions, and we need to be really sure that we do not produce a state which will affect the brain or the body negatively,' he said. 'I'm actually surprised that there is so much interest in introducing the state of torpor or hibernation, but nobody cares what the state does to you, so I think it's really important. 'And this is what I studied in my lab – what torpor does to the brain. Does the animal still have memories? Does the brain function is preserved before we can safely apply this to primates or humans?' Medical potential on Earth Dr Chouker said that more investment was needed to boost research and the development of technology that could help humans achieve a state of hibernation. He said it would revolutionise health care on Earth, with any benefits to space travel 'the cherry on the cake'. 'It will change medicine because you can control metabolism, including of a human who's waiting for a specific therapy that needs time," he added. "We could avoid any kind of intensive care or reduce intensive care degeneration and deconditioning effects.' Could humans hibernate? Dr Dominique Moser, a biologist also at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, said humans may one have had the ability to enter a state of torpor. 'There is some evidence from human history that showed capacity of going into torpor state,' she said. 'There were some bone findings in a cave in Atapuerca [in northern Spain] half a million years ago that showed signs of performing hibernation.' She said that theory was supported by genetic research that suggests hibernation is not controlled by a single gene, but a complex set of gene expressions triggered under specific environmental conditions. 'It might be that there's some kind of genetic programme that is encoded in plenty of animals, irrespective of species and phylogenetic relationships," Dr Moser said. 'This programme could be encoded in a huge set of mammals such as bears, hedgehogs, apes and even rodents, so why not humans?' Developing hibernation pods US company SpaceWorks Enterprises researches human hibernation for the purposes of space travel. It received grants from Nasa in 2013 and 2017 to develop a concept for a hibernation habitat for Mars missions. Dr John Bradford, chief executive of the company, told The National that it put together a medical team at the time to carry out the study, including researchers from the Mayo Clinic, animal hibernation experts and an astronaut. He said their findings showed it was possible to develop the sort of hibernation technology typically seen in movies. "It [hibernation] is kind of artificially induced, a low metabolic state, and it involves manipulating the thermal regulatory system of your body," he said. Among the challenges is finding the right drug combination to temporarily lower the body's thermal set point of 37°C by about 5°C or 10°C. "That's one of the challenges ... is finding the drugs that can override your body's tendency to basically always keep itself warm and active there, so that you spend a lot of energy doing that," Dr Bradford said. But even when such medicine and technology is invented, Mr Bradford said there would have to be many human experiments before it can be considered reliable for deep space missions, including tests on the ground and in Earth's orbit. Astronaut hibernation The process of inducing human torpor would probably involve several stages – preparation, induction, maintenance and reawakening. Bears, for example, take three to four weeks to fully enter hibernation, suggesting it is a gradual biological process. 'You'd need to get the body ready, perhaps through a combination of environmental cues and pharmacological support,' Dr Chouker said. 'The induction might involve drugs, while the maintenance phase could be supported by automated technology regulating temperature and humidity.' Light, noise, temperature changes or medication could be used to bring people back out of that state. Missions to Mars Space agencies are working towards sending humans back to the Moon, and eventually to the surface of Mars. Missions to the Red Planet would take seven to 10 months and studies are continuing on how extended deep space missions would affect human psychology and physiology. SpaceX is developing its Starship rocket, with the aim of sending crewed missions to Mars, or even deeper into space. Placing astronauts into state of hibernation could help them cope with the challenges of long space missions.
Emirates 24/7
08-08-2025
- Emirates 24/7
National Space Academy partners with EDGE to launch space mission, satellite engineering programme
The National Space Academy, a UAE Space Agency initiative dedicated to developing a skilled and future-ready national workforce, has launched the Space Mission and Satellite Engineering Programme (SMSE) in partnership with EDGE. Delivered in collaboration with EDGE entities FADA and BEACON RED, the SMSE programme aims to build the UAE's next generation of satellite engineers, system architects, and mission leaders through hands-on space mission systems training. The programme equips Emirati professionals, researchers, and graduates with specialised expertise in satellite mission design, space systems engineering, and mission operations, positioning them to support and accelerate the development of the UAE's space capabilities. Eng. Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, commented: 'Preparing local talents is a fundamental pillar of the UAE Space Agency's strategy to ensure the sustainability of the space sector. We are committed to qualifying and training young local cadres and honing their skills according to the highest international standards to efficiently lead future space initiatives and missions, while strengthening the UAE's position as a global driver of innovation and scientific and technological advancement.' Al Qubaisi continued: 'Through the National Space Academy, one of our transformational projects, and the courses it offers, we seek to develop an integrated educational and training system that combines theoretical and practical aspects and meets the needs of the labour market. This is a significant step to support the UAE's ability to keep pace with the requirements of the next phase.' Waleid Al Mesmari, President – Space & Cyber Technologies, EDGE Group, said: 'The UAE's success in space will ultimately be defined by our ability to nurture a new generation of technically adept Emiratis equipped to lead complex space missions. Through this programme, we are not only delivering world-class knowledge and hands-on experience but also reinforcing EDGE's commitment to supporting the UAE's space sector through capability development at every level. Together with the UAE Space Agency, we are building a robust foundation that integrates education, industry expertise and strategic foresight to empower Emirati professionals to shape and lead the future of our space endeavours.' The ten-week programme, taking place from 16 September to 20 November 2025 at the UAE Space Agency's headquarters in Abu Dhabi, BEACON RED's advanced training centre, and FADA's facilities, combines in-person technical training with online modules led by a distinguished roster of local and international industry experts. Participants will gain practical experience across five core modules, including Designing Space Missions (DSM), Applied Space Systems Engineering (ASSE), Space System Verification and Validation (SSVV), Space Mission Operations (SMO), and a Central Case Project (CCP) simulating the end-to-end planning, design, and justification of a real satellite mission. The curriculum is designed to deliver in-depth technical training through hands-on laboratory work and project applications using industry-standard tools and software, while fostering a strategic understanding of operational planning through site visits to leading UAE aerospace and technology organisations. Open exclusively to UAE nationals, the programme targets professionals working in government or private sector organisations within the space industry, as well as academic researchers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. It also welcomes applications from graduates holding a bachelor's degree or higher qualifications.
Gulf Today
06-08-2025
- Gulf Today
Sultan Bin Ahmed reviews developments at SAASST
Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, reviewed the latest developments in the projects of the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology (SAASST), along with its key development plans. The visit took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Academy's premises. Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed toured the Academy building, observing the recent updates to its facilities, which aim to educate visitors and refresh their knowledge of astronomy and space sciences, using the latest educational and technological methods to deliver information effectively. Through a visual presentation, he was briefed on the current projects at the Academy, including the CubeSat programme, and the Meteorite Laboratory Exhibition, which aims to catalogue and document meteorites and impact fragments. The briefing also covered the development of space debris monitoring stations, as well as the optical and radio astronomical observatories that the Academy is establishing in cooperation with various public and private entities. Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed was updated on the project to develop solar and lunar observation systems at the Academy. The initiative supports national efforts in crescent moon sighting for Islamic calendar verification and aims to enhance the scientific infrastructure for observing solar and lunar phenomena, enabling the Academy's participation in global astronomical observation efforts. He viewed key statistics from the Sharjah Planetarium, which welcomed over 4,500 visitors during June and July. The planetarium attracts audiences by offering 20 shows per week. He also reviewed the development plans for the planetarium and its efforts to raise community awareness through specialised workshops and space-related films, along with its partnerships with various institutions and astronomical centres. Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed was introduced to the Academy's participation, in collaboration with the UAE Space Agency, in the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt. This pioneering mission aims to study seven asteroids within the main belt and support the growth of the UAE's private space sector, in addition to building national capabilities in astronomical and space research, innovation, and advanced technological development. Recently, the SAASST hosted a delegation from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to explore opportunities for joint scientific and academic cooperation, including the exchange of expertise in education and research, as well as providing internship opportunities for students. This collaboration aims to contribute to the development of scientific competencies and enhance academic partnerships with NASA. It is also part of the Academy's commitment to building strategic partnerships with leading global scientific institutions, reflecting its dedication to advancing astronomy, space science, and technology. Prof. Yousef Haik, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, welcomed the delegation, emphasising the importance of collaboration with NASA in advancing the university's efforts to integrate cutting-edge technological frameworks that enhance the educational and research experiences for both faculty members and students. He further noted that this partnership reflects the university's commitment to fostering an innovative educational environment, dedicated to preparing a generation of scientists and researchers capable of contributing to global technological advancement. Prof. Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Studies, emphasised that this collaboration will play a pivotal role in advancing research programmes, facilitating knowledge exchange, and driving progress in the fields of space science and astronomy. He further noted that the partnership will provide valuable opportunities for both students and faculty members to engage in international research projects, thereby enhancing the university's global scientific reputation. Daniel Evans, Assistant Deputy Associate Administrator for Research at NASA's Science Mission Directorate, praised the significant role played by the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, emphasising that the cooperation between NASA and SAASST will contribute to enhancing research efforts in the region. WAM
