UAE astronauts reveal ambitious space plans at GITEX EUROPE
Speaking to Arabian Business on Wednesday at Messe Berlin, where the first European edition of the Dubai-born technology exhibition is being held from May 21-23, the astronauts detailed how the UAE is positioning itself as both a regional and global player in space exploration and technology.
UAE's expanding space capabilities
'In the UAE, we are now focusing on developing our in-house capabilities in terms of satellite development,' said Al Mansouri, who made history in 2019 as the first Emirati in space. 'We are already reaching a point where we are developing our own satellites in-house in the UAE, with Emirati engineers involved in the whole process.'
Al Mansouri highlighted the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre's (MBRSC) latest satellite, where more than 90 per cent of components were built and provided by the UAE's domestic industry, spanning mechanical and electronic elements.
The UAE's human spaceflight programme, established in 2017, has rapidly evolved from its first short-duration mission to more ambitious long-term goals. Following Sultan Al Neyadi's six-month mission to the International Space Station in 2023, the nation is preparing for future ventures with a sustainable approach.
'Our space programme, new space flight is a sustainable one. We are looking at really four to five years to launch an astronaut to space and different various missions,' Al Mansouri explained.
A cornerstone of the UAE's space strategy is its participation in NASA's Lunar Gateway project, where the Emirates will provide a critical airlock component.
'With that partnership, with NASA and the international partners, we are going to be building the Gateway, part of Gateway, which is the airlock,' said Al Mansouri. 'The UAE is going to provide to NASA the airlock at 2030 and at that time we can launch also an astronaut with that mission.'
Al Matrooshi, who in 2021 became the first female Arab astronaut, highlighted the programme's readiness approach. 'The space missions are usually decided on by our leadership. So it's not my choice on what the mission is or when it's going to be, but the goal is to be ready for each and every mission,' she told Arabian Business.
'If it's a mission to the ISS, if it's a mission to the moon, if it's a mission to Mars, the UAE astronauts will be ready for that. We are training continuously with our international partners,' Al Matrooshi added.
AI revolutionises space exploration
Both astronauts highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence in space exploration. The MBRSC is already implementing AI for analysing satellite data to aid urban planning, agriculture, and global disaster management.
'We are focusing on implementing AI with the data analysis and photos and pictures that we are taking from our satellites, and how we can help people on ground, not only in the UAE or the region, but the whole globe,' Al Mansouri said. He cited a project where AI helped count approximately four million trees in the UAE's Al Ain city to inform planning decisions.
The centre has also provided satellite imagery to assist with international disaster responses, including the earthquake in Japan and flooding in Libya in recent years.
Looking forward, Al Matrooshi identified lunar exploration as the next frontier for AI applications in space. 'Everyone is looking towards the moon. So I think utilising AI, for example, to select locations where humans can land on the moon, where we can start to build our permanent settlements on the moon, and then start doing the same to Mars as well.'
The astronauts' presence at GITEX Europe underscores the UAE's strategy of expanding its technological footprint globally. The Dubai-born exhibition has previously launched editions in Africa and Asia before making its European debut this year.
'Taking GITEX all around the world makes it easier to reach more people, and that's what the UAE is going to be doing,' Al Matrooshi noted. 'The amount of information or collaboration that you get when you visit these types of events… it's very important to make sure that you have a presence in these types of events.'
Al Mansouri echoed this sentiment, viewing the expansion as evidence of the UAE's growing technological leadership. 'That showcases that the UAE is a leading partner, also a leading entity in that sector, technology itself and AI,' he said. 'We are leading so many countries in the region, and being here in Europe, it's a proof of that… UAE is the future, UAE is the hub for AI, and definitely our impact gonna be huge in the region, and now, global.'
The strong UAE presence at GITEX Europe, particularly from public sector entities, reflects the nation's coordinated push to establish itself as a key player in the global technology ecosystem while advancing its space programme as part of a broader economic diversification strategy.
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