Latest news with #EmiratesMissiontotheAsteroidBelt
Al Etihad
19-05-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
UAE Space Agency invests in local startups and space missions – from Mars to Asteroid Belt
20 May 2025 00:26 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI) Speaking to Aletihad on the sidelines of the Make it in the Emirates Forum (MITE) 2025, Dr. Noora Alsaeed, research scientist at the UAE Space Agency, and currently a science project investigator for the Emirates Mars Mission and a co-investigator on the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, highlighted the growing role of Emirati-led innovation and talent development across the national space ecosystem. "We have a booth here at Make it in the Emirates to showcase the projects supported through the space economic zones," she explained."They are all UAE-based startups with the vision to apply their technologies to space; whether they are using space data, offering services for the space sector, or building something destined to go into orbit."These startups, as Dr. Alsaeed mentioned, are being provided with a platform by the Space Agency, which connects them to local and international events and projects."We support them, but we also have our own flagship missions like the Emirates Mars Mission, which continues to be a key focus."Dr. Alsaeed elaborated on the ambitious Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, set for launch in 2028 with a seven-year exploration phase that will study seven main belt asteroids."It is a very complex mission. We passed our Critical Design Review (CDR) in February. Alhamdulillah, we are on track for the 2028 launch," Dr. she added."It is an opportunity to train Emiratis to lead in space: from spacecraft systems engineering and manufacturing to science leadership and mission operations."Dr. Alsaeed noted that these missions are essential to national capacity building."What is beautiful about these missions is that they train Emiratis to lead interplanetary projects; something that is far more complex than satellite operations."She cited some of the ongoing Earth-orbiting missions like the Satellite 813; a hyperspectral mission being constructed by the UAE in partnership with 7 Arab countries, with an Emirati as the principal investigator at UAE-based National Space Science and Technology Centre (NSSTC) in Al Ain."It is exciting to see such regional collaboration, and many of the partners involved are here at the forum showcasing their work."She added: "Capability development is one of our primary goals. We have a dedicated unit at the Space Agency that focuses on building Emirati talent and supporting UAE-based companies. "The space sector is multidisciplinary; when you develop one person in this field, you're also developing skills in AI, mechanical engineering, computer science, satellite imagery and more."Looking to the future, Dr. Alsaeed added that the next major step for enhancing national expertise will be the upcoming Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt."This is designed to be a mission where Emiratis lead; whether it is engineers, scientists, or UAE-based companies like TII (Technology Innovation Institute), which is developing the lander," she said. "The aim is to build local capability and integrate Emiratis into all aspects of space exploration." Make it in the Emirates Continue full coverage
TECHx
18-03-2025
- Business
- TECHx
TECHx Media UAE-U.S. Strengthen Ties with New Investments and AI Collaboration
UAE-U.S. Strengthen Ties with New Investments and AI Collaboration News Desk - Share The UAE and the U.S. continue to reinforce their strategic partnership, built on over five decades of collaboration across security, trade, technology, and clean energy. The official visit of H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser, to the United States marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing economic cooperation, and advancing shared interests. Bilateral trade between the UAE and the U.S. (excluding oil) reached nearly $40 billion, with merchandise trade rising by 9.47% to $34.43 billion (AED 126.46 billion) in 2024, compared to $31.45 billion (AED 115.51 billion) in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. UAE investments in the U.S. totaled approximately $3.7 billion between 2018 and 2023, while U.S. investments in the UAE reached $9.5 billion during the same period. The UAE also holds over $70 billion in the U.S. energy sector through ADNOC, Masdar, and XRG, reflecting its commitment to clean energy and sustainable development. The UAE and U.S. have expanded cooperation in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. In April 2024, Microsoft announced a $1.5 billion strategic investment in G42, the UAE's leading AI company. In June, World Wide Technology, Inc. (WWT) signed an agreement with NXT Global to establish the first AI integration center in Masdar City. In February, G42 and Microsoft launched the Responsible AI Institute (RAI Institute), the first initiative of its kind in the Middle East, promoting ethical AI development across the region and the Global South. In September, both countries announced a framework for AI cooperation, focusing on AI security, cybersecurity, regulatory standards, and the development of AI-driven sustainable solutions. Space exploration remains a key area of collaboration. The UAE's Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA), in partnership with the University of Colorado Boulder, builds on the success of the UAE's Hope Probe, which was launched in 2021. The UAE is also a major contributor to NASA's Lunar Gateway Programme, developing a dedicated airlock module that will support future missions, including the UAE's first astronaut journey to lunar orbit by 2030. Climate action is another pillar of UAE-U.S. relations, highlighted by the UAE-U.S. Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE), which aims to mobilize $100 billion to generate 100 gigawatts of clean energy by 2035. The UAE also co-leads the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM4C) alongside the U.S., bringing together over 50 countries and 500 partners to drive advancements in sustainable agriculture. Masdar, the UAE's leading renewable energy company, has invested in 11 clean energy projects across the U.S., including the Big Beau solar and battery storage project near Los Angeles. With ongoing collaborations in economic growth, technology, clean energy, and space exploration, the UAE and the U.S. continue to strengthen their partnership, fostering innovation and long-term prosperity on a global scale.
TECHx
12-03-2025
- Science
- TECHx
UAE's Asteroid Mission Advances with Successful Critical Design Review News Desk - 12/03/2025 ShareThe Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) has successfully completed its Critical Design Review (CDR) between February 24 and 26, 2025, marking a major step forward in the UAE's deep space exploration journey.The review, conducted with leading Emirati and international experts, sets the stage for the next phase—assembly, integration, and testing of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Explorer.Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, highlighted the achievement, stating, 'Completing this phase of EMA successfully embodies the UAE's vision of turning ambitions into realities.' He emphasized that the mission strengthens the country's role in deep space exploration while unlocking opportunities in technology, education, and the economy for future generations.The CDR provided a comprehensive assessment of the spacecraft's detailed designs, engineering processes, and testing plans, ensuring the mission's strategic objectives are met. This review also evaluated potential risks and mitigation strategies, as well as the mission's timeline.EMA Mission Director, Mohsen Al Awadhi, noted that the mission is focused on capacity building and private sector engagement. 'EMA is more than a journey beyond our planet—it is a bold step toward a future of innovation, scientific excellence, and global leadership in deep space exploration,' he said.Spanning 13 years, the EMA mission includes six years of spacecraft development and seven years of asteroid exploration between Mars and Jupiter. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Explorer will analyze the origins and evolution of water-rich asteroids, assess their potential for future space resources, and study surface compositions, geology, and temperature variations.The UAE Space Agency is working with key academic and technology partners, including Khalifa University, NYU Abu Dhabi, and the Technology Innovation Institute. International collaborations include the Italian Space Agency, the University of Colorado Boulder, the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University.A preliminary design review was completed in February 2024, followed by a lander mission concept review in July 2024. The mission's lander, aboard the MBR Explorer, is set to land on asteroid Justitia for further analysis.This milestone solidifies the UAE's growing role in space exploration, positioning the nation as a key player in advancing scientific research and deep space technology.
UAE's Asteroid Mission Advances with Successful Critical Design Review The Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) has successfully completed its Critical Design Review (CDR) between February 24 and 26, 2025, marking a major step forward in the UAE's deep space exploration journey. The review, conducted with leading Emirati and international experts, sets the stage for the next phase—assembly, integration, and testing of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Explorer. Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, highlighted the achievement, stating, 'Completing this phase of EMA successfully embodies the UAE's vision of turning ambitions into realities.' He emphasized that the mission strengthens the country's role in deep space exploration while unlocking opportunities in technology, education, and the economy for future generations. The CDR provided a comprehensive assessment of the spacecraft's detailed designs, engineering processes, and testing plans, ensuring the mission's strategic objectives are met. This review also evaluated potential risks and mitigation strategies, as well as the mission's timeline. EMA Mission Director, Mohsen Al Awadhi, noted that the mission is focused on capacity building and private sector engagement. 'EMA is more than a journey beyond our planet—it is a bold step toward a future of innovation, scientific excellence, and global leadership in deep space exploration,' he said. Spanning 13 years, the EMA mission includes six years of spacecraft development and seven years of asteroid exploration between Mars and Jupiter. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Explorer will analyze the origins and evolution of water-rich asteroids, assess their potential for future space resources, and study surface compositions, geology, and temperature variations. The UAE Space Agency is working with key academic and technology partners, including Khalifa University, NYU Abu Dhabi, and the Technology Innovation Institute. International collaborations include the Italian Space Agency, the University of Colorado Boulder, the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University. A preliminary design review was completed in February 2024, followed by a lander mission concept review in July 2024. The mission's lander, aboard the MBR Explorer, is set to land on asteroid Justitia for further analysis. This milestone solidifies the UAE's growing role in space exploration, positioning the nation as a key player in advancing scientific research and deep space technology.
Hi Dubai
12-03-2025
- Science
- Hi Dubai
UAE's Asteroid Belt Mission Reaches Key Milestone with Critical Design Review Completion
The Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) has successfully completed its Critical Design Review (CDR), marking a significant step toward deep space exploration. Held from February 24 to 26, 2025, the review involved Emirati and international experts, validating the mission's readiness for the next phase—assembly, integration, and testing of the Mohammed Bin Rashid (MBR) Explorer. Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, emphasized that this milestone reflects the UAE's vision of transforming ambition into reality. He highlighted the mission's role in advancing scientific innovation, strengthening deep space exploration capabilities, and fostering growth in technology, education, and the economy. The CDR encompassed a comprehensive assessment of the spacecraft's design, engineering, manufacturing, and risk mitigation strategies, ensuring alignment with international space exploration standards. Mohsen Al Awadhi, EMA Mission Director, underscored the review's significance in enhancing system readiness, minimizing risks, and securing broad participation from the private sector. Spanning 13 years, EMA dedicates six years to spacecraft development and seven years to asteroid exploration between Mars and Jupiter. The MBR Explorer will analyze the origins of water-rich asteroids, assess their resource potential, and study their surface and internal structures. A lander aboard the spacecraft is set to touch down on Justitia, furthering scientific discovery. The UAE Space Agency is collaborating with esteemed institutions, including Khalifa University, NYU Abu Dhabi, the Italian Space Agency, and the University of Colorado Boulder. With strong international partnerships and rigorous planning, EMA continues to propel the UAE's space ambitions toward groundbreaking discoveries in deep space. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Al Etihad
11-03-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
UAE Space Agency completes critical design review for Emirates Mission to Asteroid Belt
11 Mar 2025 20:26 ABU DHABI (WAM) The Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) has achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing the Critical Design Review (CDR) between February 24 and 26, achievement was made with the participation of a distinguished group of Emirati and international experts, paving the way for the next phase, which includes the assembly, integration, and testing of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, said, 'We are truly proud of this achievement. Completing this phase of EMA successfully embodies the UAE's vision of turning ambitions into realities.'Al Qubaisi added, 'The mission represents an advanced step in our journey of scientific innovation. It contributes to bolstering our position in deep space exploration, and opens promising horizons in the fields of technology, education, and economy for future generations.' He also emphasised the importance of building capabilities in scientific and technical fields within this vital CDR includes a comprehensive assessment of all aspects of the programme, covering the detailed designs of the spacecraft and its subsystems, precise engineering drawings, manufacturing processes, comprehensive plans, as well as assembly, integration, and testing procedures. Additionally, it involves a thorough performance analysis to ensure the mission's strategic objectives are successfully review also includes comprehensive testing plans to ensure the readiness of components to operate in the harsh environments of space. It involves an assessment of potential risks and the development of effective strategies to manage them, along with the mission's defined Al Awadhi, Mission Director - EMA, stressed that the mission primarily focuses on building capabilities and ensuring broad participation of the private sector. ''EMA is more than a journey beyond our planet, it is a bold step toward a future of innovation, scientific excellence, and global leadership in deep space exploration programmes,'' he highlighted that the critical design review is crucial to ensure the success of any space programme, during which the focus is on verifying the readiness of the systems, achieving the desired scientific goals, enhancing coordination between different teams, reducing potential risks, and complying with international standards and affirmed that this review yielded positive results and successfully achieved its objectives, reflecting remarkable progress in the national team's capabilities, and reinforcing the preparations for the mission Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt spans 13 years, divided into six years for the development and design of the spacecraft and seven years for exploring the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. During this period, the scientific instruments aboard the Mohammed Bin Rashid Explorer will study the origins and evolution of water-rich asteroids and assess their potential as resources for future space exploration mission will also contribute to measuring the surface composition, geology, and internal density of multiple asteroids in the main asteroid belt. Additionally, it will analyse temperature variations and thermal physical properties of various asteroids to assess their surface evolution and historical Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt team is collaborating with a range of academic partners and technology development partners, including Khalifa University, New York University Abu Dhabi, and the Technology Innovation Institute. Additionally, the mission involves local and international partners from the private sector, as well as organisations, institutions, and universities worldwide, such as the Italian Space Agency, the University of Colorado Boulder, the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona UAE Space Agency conducted a preliminary design review for the mission in February 2024 and completed the lander mission concept review in July 2024. The lander will be aboard the MBR Explorer and is designed to land on and study Justitia.
