Latest news with #NationalSpaceAcademy
Al Etihad
13-05-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
New wave of Emirati space experts in training as 10-week programme begins
13 May 2025 21:33 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Space science training has begun for the second batch of Emiratis who could be the next experts and innovators of the country's rapidly evolving satellite and exploration National Space Academy, an initiative by the UAE Space Agency, kicked off the 10-week "Space Applications – Earth Observation" programme on Tuesday. This immersive, hands-on course is aimed at honing Emiratis' talent in remote sensing, artificial intelligence and data in partnership with Space42, the programme forms part of a long-term initiative to advance applied space knowledge in the nation. Participants represent more than 20 public, private, academic, and research entities from across the country."They will graduate with real-world projects, applications that will be launched through our gIQ platform, which utilises space data analytics to provide solutions for real-world applications," said Eng. Naser Al Rashedi, Manager of the National Space programme, which runs until July 17, features a mix of lectures, workshops, and live projects, enabling participants to build their space-based solutions with AI and satellite such training, the UAE is cultivating a new wave of engineers and scientists who will be able to drive space science and technology at the forefront of national Emiratis' capabilities in space science remains a core priority of the academy, while also tackling long-term sustainability. "The strategy talks about investing in space applications that have real use cases in the UAE and making them economically competitive. It is about generating both social and economic returns," Al Rashedi said. New Curriculum To ensure users could take full advantage of the data tools and analytics, Space42 revamped its training strategy. "We created an entirely new curriculum for the second cohort, which enables project-based learning," said Dr. Prashanth Marpu, Chief Technology Officer at Bayanat's Smart Solutions, Space42."Now, people not only learn theoretically; they actually implement it in a programme and go end-to-end," he said."We wanted to actually train people, governmental agencies, students, on the latest technologies to utilise the data in the right way and build applications."This approach, Marpu said, seeks to empower participants. "Now, these students can go back to their organisations already equipped with the tools needed to do their analytics or to contribute to their programmes."The academy is now making plans to further strengthen its programme."We are going to launch another cohort related to the upstream of space, which means how to build satellite systems-not just using the data. We are also exploring different models of delivering the programme to increase access, especially for those who cannot attend the in-person format due to limited seats," Al Rashedi said. "In the next phase, we are looking to introduce more subjects and varied delivery styles to make the program even more accessible and comprehensive," he added.
The National
13-05-2025
- Science
- The National
UAE trains new generation of satellite data experts through National Space Academy
The UAE has begun training its latest cohort of Emiratis to equip them with the skills to use satellite data when finding practical solutions for issues such as environmental protection, national security and urban planning. The Space Applications-Earth Observation programme, part of the National Space Academy run by the UAE Space Agency, is offering a 10-week course. The new cohort, comprising employees from both public and private sectors, held its first class on Tuesday. 'This is a hands-on programme that gives people something they can actually apply in their jobs,' academy manager Naser Al Rashedi told The National. 'Each of them will have developed a project based on a real-world problem from their field by the end of the programme.' Last year's graduates, for example, worked on projects such as assessing the health of mangroves using satellite data, insights that were later shared with environmental agencies. Mr Al Rashedi said building a national workforce skilled in satellite data analytics will help support the UAE's strategic goals, from monitoring climate change and preserving natural resources to strengthening food security and planning smarter cities. The UAE's space programme has grown rapidly in recent years, with a strong focus on developing domestic expertise and technological capabilities. The country launched its first UAE-built satellite, KhalifaSat, in 2018, and launched the MBZ-Sat, the region's most advanced Earth observation satellite, this year. Earth observation, a $7 billion market, uses satellite imagery and data to monitor the planet. It supports a range of applications, from tracking deforestation and pollution to detecting water leaks in urban areas and mapping agricultural trends. The academy was launched in 2023 in partnership with Bayanat, a provider of geospatial data solutions that is now part of Space42, a newly formed AI-powered space tech company. The academy offers two tracks, including one focused on satellite engineering and another on satellite data applications, such as the current Earth observation programme. This year's Earth observation programme includes 28 participants, up from 18 in its first year. The course blends lectures with project-based learning, in which participants work on challenges from their organisations. Using geospatial data in everyday jobs can help organisations make smarter, data-driven decisions, from tracking environmental changes to improving infrastructure planning and emergency response, said Dr Prashanth Marpu, chief technology officer for smart solutions at Space42's Bayanat division. 'You have to train people on using these technologies, and then also guide them in ways they can use that data in the real world and at their jobs,' Dr Marpu said. The programme also feeds into Space42's development of a Geo-Informatics and Analytics (GIQ) platform, a digital marketplace where organisations can access and use Earth observation data. The goal is to foster a system that relies on space-based insights for national development. Mohamed Amery, an AI engineer with Halcon – part of Edge Group's missiles and weapons cluster – is taking part in this year's course. He said it could help in his ability to process aerial and satellite imagery for defence applications. 'I come from a military domain, so we usually try to implement AI smart systems that can be part of surveillance,' he said. 'The programme gives a new perspective on how satellite data and AI can work together.'
Emirates 24/7
29-04-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
National Space Academy Announces Opening Registration for Second Cohort of Space Applications Training Program
The National Space Academy, a transformational initiative of the UAE Space Agency, announced opening registration for the second cohort of the Space Applications - Earth Observation training program on 14 April, 2025. This comes in collaboration with Space42, the UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company, a strategic partner in the program. This program is part of the Agency's strategic efforts to develop applied space knowledge among experienced Emirati professionals, researchers, and graduates, particularly in remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and space data analysis. This will contribute to preparing a new generation of Emirati engineers and scientists capable of supporting the UAE's progress in the space sector. His Excellency Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, stressed that the training program is a key initiative in the Agency's efforts to realize the UAE's vision of developing and empowering Emirati talent with the skills needed for the future. Al Qubaisi explained that over the past year, 70% of the National Space Academy's graduates were employed in the space sector, as part of the strategy to invest in the development of specialized national cadres. Al Qubaisi said: 'We are preparing a generation of engineers and scientists to lead national space projects, compete globally, and promote the UAE's leadership in this sector. We aim to do this by offering training and practical opportunities that arm our youth with experience, skills, and confidence. We believe that investing in people is the cornerstone of the sector's sustainability. This program, and other similar initiatives, reflects our commitment to transforming knowledge into effective competencies capable of contributing to the UAE's journey towards an advanced and sustainable knowledge economy.' Hasan Al Hosani, CEO, Bayanat Smart Solutions, Space42 said, "This program opens doors for young Emiratis who want to shape the future of space through real-world experience and applied knowledge. It introduces participants to the practical convergence of AI, Earth Observation, and geospatial analytics, the three core domains Space42 is scaling globally. Our mandate is to deliver sovereign capabilities with global relevance, and this effort reflects our alignment with the UAE's National Space Strategy 2030. At Space42, one of our strategic principles is investing in local talent, and we see this as more than technical training; it is a launchpad for the next generation of innovators, builders, and leaders in the UAE's space journey." The ten-week training program, running from May 13 to July 17, 2025, is open to UAE nationals who are employed in either government or private sector entities, as well as to academic researchers working in fields related to Earth observation data, remote sensing, or geospatial sciences. It is also open to graduates with backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as those with expertise in programming or artificial intelligence. The program is delivered through a hands-on approach, blending lectures, workshops, and practical training to enhance participants' ability to apply remote sensing and artificial intelligence technologies in creating innovative space solutions. Learn about the registration details for the second cohort of the Space Applications program at the National Space Academy via the following link: Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
