Latest news with #SalemAlMarri
The National
21-03-2025
- Science
- The National
Scientists in Abu Dhabi develop 'moon dust' made of UAE rocks to boost lunar ambitions
A team of Abu Dhabi scientists has developed artificial moon dust, derived from the UAE's natural resources, to help lay the groundwork for the nation's quest to land Emirati astronauts on the lunar surface. Researchers at the New York University Abu Dhabi Space Exploration Laboratory said the substance – called Emirates Lunar Simulant – will allow scientists to test space instruments and equipment to ensure their readiness for the country's future missions to the Moon. The researchers, led by Dr Dimitra Atri, an astrophysicist at NYUAD, created the soil simulant from anorthosite-rich rocks found in the UAE. These rocks closely resemble the mineral and chemical composition of Moon samples, making them ideal for testing. The work will boost the UAE's growing space exploration aspirations. Last month, Salem Al Marri, director general of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, set out the UAE's goal to put an Emirati astronaut on the Moon within 10 years. 'By leveraging local geological resources to advance planetary science, this project strengthens the UAE's role in space exploration and contributes to global efforts to prepare for future lunar missions,' said Dr Atri, principal investigator at the Space Exploration Laboratory. He is part of the scientific team behind several UAE-led missions, including the Hope probe orbiting Mars, the Moon exploration programme and the space flight to an asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. 'The Emirates Lunar Simulant will be instrumental in testing rover performance, training astronauts and validating lunar equipment, helping optimise missions and reduce risk for future lunar exploration.' As transporting large amounts of Moon soil to Earth is impractical, such soil simulants are essential for preparing for lunar exploration. The Abu Dhabi team, which featured researcher Vigneshwaran Krishnamoorthi and undergraduate students from NYUAD, is using the simulant to assess instruments for key mission operations, including landings, surface exploration, construction and resource extraction. The anorthosite-rich rocks were sourced from the Semail Ophiolite Complex, an ancient geological formation in the UAE that contains a well-preserved section of Earth's lithosphere, or outer crust. The researchers also explored the substance's potential for use in lunar agriculture and the growing of food on the Moon, to support long-term efforts to build a human presence in space. Bright minds at NYUAD are playing a leading role in the UAE's booming space sector. The National revealed this month how the university had established a new planetary simulation chamber that could transform how scientists in the Emirates conduct space research, allowing them to recreate extreme planetary environments. Researchers will be able to replicate the surface conditions of the Moon, Mars, asteroids and the Martian atmosphere by adjusting the gas composition, pressure and temperature inside the controlled chamber. The chamber also has an optical system capable of recreating solar conditions across different regions of the solar system. Researchers will be able to expose samples to intense ultraviolet radiation, mimicking the effects of prolonged space exposure. The Emirates has made major strides in the global space race in recent years. Hazza Al Mansouri made history in September 2019 as the first Emirati to venture into space then Sultan Al Neyadi was chosen in March 2023 to be the first Arab astronaut to carry out a long-duration journey in space. The UAE signed up with Nasa to contribute a key component of the US-led Gateway, a Moon-orbiting station, in exchange for sending an Emirati to the station. That agreement, however, only guarantees the country access to the station and a separate deal would have to be made for landing an Emirati on the lunar surface. SpaceX and Blue Origin are developing landing vehicles to carry humans to the surface from the Gateway station.
The National
20-03-2025
- Science
- The National
Abu Dhabi scientists develop 'moon dust' made out of UAE rocks to boost lunar ambitions
A team of Abu Dhabi scientists has developed its own artificial moon dust, derived from the UAE's rich natural resources, to help lay the groundwork for the nation's ambitious quest to land Emirati astronauts on the lunar surface. Researchers at the New York University Abu Dhabi Space Exploration Laboratory said the novel substance – called Emirates Lunar Simulant – will allow scientists to test space instruments and equipment to ensure their readiness for the country's future missions to the Moon. The researchers, led by Dr Dimitra Atri, an astrophysicist at NYUAD, created the soil simulant from anorthosite-rich rocks found in the UAE. These rocks closely resemble the mineral and chemical composition of Moon samples, making them ideal for testing. The work will boost the UAE's growing space exploration aspirations. Last month, Salem Al Marri, director general of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, set out the UAE's goal to put an Emirati astronaut on the Moon within 10 years. 'By leveraging local geological resources to advance planetary science, this project strengthens the UAE's role in space exploration and contributes to global efforts to prepare for future lunar missions,' said Dr Atri, principal investigator at the Space Exploration Laboratory. He is part of the scientific team behind several UAE-led missions, including the Hope probe that is orbiting Mars, the Moon exploration programme and the space flight to an asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. 'The Emirates Lunar Simulant will be instrumental in testing rover performance, training astronauts and validating lunar equipment, helping optimise missions and reduce risk for future lunar exploration.' As transporting large amounts of Moon soil to Earth is impractical, such soil simulants are essential for preparing for lunar exploration. The Abu Dhabi team, which featured researcher Vigneshwaran Krishnamoorthi and undergraduate students from NYUAD, is using the simulant to assess instruments for key mission operations, including landings, surface exploration, construction and resource extraction. The anorthosite-rich rocks were sourced from the Semail Ophiolite Complex, an ancient geological formation in the UAE that contains a well-preserved section of Earth's lithosphere, or outer crust. The researchers also explored the substance's potential for use in lunar agriculture and the growing of food on the Moon, to support long-term efforts to build a human presence in space. Bright minds at NYUAD are playing a leading role in the UAE's booming space sector. The National revealed this month how the university had established a new planetary simulation chamber that could transform how scientists in the Emirates conduct space research, allowing them to recreate extreme planetary environments. Researchers will be able to replicate the surface conditions of the Moon, Mars, asteroids and the Martian atmosphere by adjusting the gas composition, pressure and temperature inside the controlled chamber. The chamber also has an optical system capable of recreating solar conditions across different regions of the solar system. Researchers will be able to expose samples to intense ultraviolet radiation, mimicking the effects of prolonged space exposure. The Emirates has made major strides in the global space race in recent years. Hazza Al Mansouri made history in September 2019 by becoming the first Emirati to venture into space, while Sultan Al Neyadi broke new ground in March 2023 when chosen to be the first Arab astronaut to carry out a long-duration journey through space. The UAE signed up with Nasa to contribute a key component of the US-led Gateway, a Moon-orbiting station, in exchange for sending an Emirati to the station. That agreement, however, only guarantees the country access to the station and a separate deal would have to be made for landing an Emirati on the lunar surface. SpaceX and Blue Origin are developing landing vehicles to transport humans to the surface from the Gateway station.
The National
15-03-2025
- Science
- The National
Etihad-Sat lifts off: Launch of latest radar satellite to boost UAE's Earth observation capabilities
The UAE's first synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite has lifted off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre confirmed the successful launch on Saturday around 11am. The launch of the radar satellite complements the centre's existing Earth observation fleet. Etihad-Sat, a 220kg SAR satellite, is equipped with technology capable of monitoring the planet in any weather, day and night. It has gone into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare mission from a California spaceport. Etihad-Sat is MBRSC's first SAR satellite and will fill gaps in its fleet, which includes high-resolution optical imaging satellites like KhalifaSat and the recently launched MBZ-Sat. These are restricted to capturing photos in clear weather and can be impeded by cloud cover, haze and atmospheric interference. 'We have completed our preparations for the Etihad-Sat mission, MBRSC's first synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite,' Salem Al Marri, director-general of the space centre, wrote on X on Tuesday. 'All the best to the team working on this mission.' The satellite, which was built in partnership with South Korea's satellite manufacturing company Satrec Initiative, is expected to serve industry by detecting oil spills and monitoring natural disasters, improving navigation at sea and supporting smart agriculture and the environment. Sarath Raj, project director of the satellite ground station at Amity University Dubai, told The National that the technology is capable of penetrating clouds, fog and darkness to capture images. 'This advancement dramatically enhances data reliability, particularly crucial for disaster response, where timely and accurate information is essential for assessing flood damage, tracking landslides and monitoring other hazards regardless of environmental conditions,' he said. KhalifaSat tracks urban growth and environmental changes. Between 2021 and 2022, its images helped researchers to identify about 20,600 new buildings and vegetation shifts across 873 hectares in Dubai, assisting urban planning. It also provided imagery during the California wildfires in 2020 to help emergency teams assess damage and co-ordinate relief efforts. However, while KalifaSat captures sharp images, it depends on clear skies and atmospheric conditions. Etihad-Sat's SAR technology can gather data around the clock. 'SAR provides high-resolution insights that empower decision-makers to act swiftly and effectively,' said Dr Raj. MBZ-Sat, which is three times more powerful than KhalifaSat, was launched on January 14, but the space centre is yet to post the first image taken by it on social media as it typically does with most missions. SAR technology was developed for military and scientific use in the 1950s. The first SAR satellite, Nasa's Seasat, was launched in 1978. It is now more in-demand than ever, thanks to advancements like artificial intelligence-driven data analysis. Increasing climate challenges have also made the technology an important tool for disaster response and environmental monitoring. More countries and private companies are now investing in SAR, recognising its ability to provide uninterrupted, high-precision Earth observation. Amar Vora, head of space at consultancy company Serco Middle East, told The National that the space centre is now 'well-positioned to contribute to the global demand for high-quality geospatial intelligence'. 'By integrating SAR into its growing satellite fleet, the UAE joins an exclusive group of nations that provide both optical and radar-based Earth observation data,' he said. The US, Italy, China, Canada and Germany are among the countries that also have the technology. The UAE's first SAR satellite, Foresight-1, was launched last year by YahSat and Bayanat, two Abu Dhabi organisations that merged to form an AI-powered space technology business called Space42. This created one of the world's most valuable publicly listed space companies. Foresight is part of a constellation of seven SAR microsatellites Space42 is planning to operate. The UAE has been investing heavily in Earth observation capabilities, with the local market size currently estimated at $980 million and is expected reach $1.49 billion by 2029, according to market research company Mordor Intelligence. The MBRSC has developed and launched six Earth observation satellites since 2009. The SpaceX rocket on Saturday will also carry Al Munther satellite, the first to be developed entirely by Bahraini engineers. The 3.2kg nanosatellite, which will be used for environmental monitoring and disaster response efforts, is equipped with artificial intelligence-powered image processing, cybersecurity features and radio broadcast capabilities. Engineers from the country's National Space Science Agency developed the satellite, with payload testing taking place at the UAE's National Space and Technology Centre in Al Ain. The UAE and Bahrain collaborated in 2022 on the Light-1 nanosatellite, which has enhances the study of charged particles above thunderstorms that release harmful levels of radiation.
The National
12-03-2025
- Science
- The National
Etihad-Sat: Launch of latest radar satellite to boost UAE's Earth observation capabilities
The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre is to complement its Earth observation fleet with the launch of a radar satellite. Etihad-Sat, a 220kg synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite, is equipped with technology capable of monitoring the planet in any weather, day and night. It will go into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 carrier rocket from a California spaceport on March 15, the US Federal Aviation Administration's website said. Etihad-Sat is MBRSC's first SAR satellite and will fill gaps in its fleet, which includes high-resolution optical imaging satellites like KhalifaSat and the recently launched MBZ-Sat. These are restricted to capturing photos in clear weather and can be impeded by cloud cover, haze and atmospheric interference. 'We have completed our preparations for the Etihad-Sat mission, MBRSC's first synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite,' Salem Al Marri, director-general of the space centre, wrote on X on Tuesday. 'All the best to the team working on this mission.' The satellite, which was built in partnership with South Korea's satellite manufacturing company Satrec Initiative, is expected to serve industry by detecting oil spills and monitoring natural disasters, improving navigation at sea and supporting smart agriculture and the environment. Sarath Raj, project director of the satellite ground station at Amity University Dubai, told The National that the technology is capable of penetrating clouds, fog and darkness to capture images. 'This advancement dramatically enhances data reliability, particularly crucial for disaster response, where timely and accurate information is essential for assessing flood damage, tracking landslides and monitoring other hazards regardless of environmental conditions,' he said. KhalifaSat tracks urban growth and environmental changes. Between 2021 and 2022, its images helped researchers to identify about 20,600 new buildings and vegetation shifts across 873 hectares in Dubai, assisting urban planning. It also provided imagery during the California wildfires in 2020 to help emergency teams assess damage and co-ordinate relief efforts. However, while KalifaSat captures sharp images, it depends on clear skies and atmospheric conditions. Etihad-Sat's SAR technology can gather data around the clock. 'SAR provides high-resolution insights that empower decision-makers to act swiftly and effectively,' said Dr Raj. MBZ-Sat, which is three times more powerful than KhalifaSat, was launched on January 14, but the space centre is yet to post the first image taken by it on social media as it typically does with most missions. SAR technology was developed for military and scientific use in the 1950s. The first SAR satellite, Nasa's Seasat, was launched in 1978. It is now more in-demand than ever, thanks to advancements like artificial intelligence-driven data analysis. Increasing climate challenges have also made the technology an important tool for disaster response and environmental monitoring. More countries and private companies are now investing in SAR, recognising its ability to provide uninterrupted, high-precision Earth observation. Amar Vora, head of space at consultancy company Serco Middle East, told The National that the space centre is now 'well-positioned to contribute to the global demand for high-quality geospatial intelligence'. 'By integrating SAR into its growing satellite fleet, the UAE joins an exclusive group of nations that provide both optical and radar-based Earth observation data,' he said. The US, Italy, China, Canada and Germany are among the countries that also have the technology. The UAE's first SAR satellite, Foresight-1, was launched last year by YahSat and Bayanat, two Abu Dhabi organisations that merged to form an AI-powered space technology business called Space42. This created one of the world's most valuable publicly listed space companies. Foresight is part of a constellation of seven SAR microsatellites Space42 is planning to operate. The UAE has been investing heavily in Earth observation capabilities, with the local market size currently estimated at $980 million and is expected reach $1.49 billion by 2029, according to market research company Mordor Intelligence. The MBRSC has developed and launched six Earth observation satellites since 2009.
The National
12-02-2025
- Science
- The National
UAE aims to land Emirati astronaut on the Moon in the next 10 years
The UAE's next goal in space is to place an Emirati astronaut on the surface of the Moon within 10 years, the chief of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre said. Salem Al Marri, director general of the centre, said at the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Wednesday that activities on the Moon would help pave the way for Mars missions. 'What drives me, and I think drives a lot of people at the MBRSC, is that we want to see an Emirati on the surface of the Moon within the next 10 years,' Mr Al Marri said. 'And I think we will do everything that we can to make sure that happens.' The Emirates has made significant strides in the global space race in recent years. Hazza Al Mansouri made history in September, 2019 by becoming the first Emirati to venture into space, while Sultan Al Neyadi broke new ground in March 2023 when chosen to be the first Arab astronaut to carry out a long-duration journey through space. The UAE signed up with Nasa to contribute a key component of the US-led Gateway, a Moon-orbiting station, in exchange for sending an Emirati to the station. That agreement, however, only guarantees the country access to the station and a separate deal would have to be made for landing an Emirati to the lunar surface. SpaceX and Blue Origin are developing landing vehicles that would transport humans to the surface from the Gateway station. Mr Al Marri, who was speaking on the Geotechnology and Police Forum panel by the Atlantic Council, said Mars was the 'overall objective' for going to the Moon. 'The global exploration road map is going towards exploring Mars, eventually having humans there and sample return. And we, of course, with our Mars 2117 programme, that's what we're looking at,' he said. 'However, to achieve those objectives, we can do a lot around the Moon, and we think the Moon is key. This is why most of our missions, I would say 70 per cent of them, focus on missions around the Moon.' The UAE had announced Mars 2117 in 2017, an ambitious project that aims to form a human settlement on the Red Planet within 100 years. Space industry trends could be shifting towards Mars instead of a heavy focus on the Moon, with billionaire Elon Musk campaigning to make humans 'a multiplanetary species'. He said last month on social media platform X, which he owns, that the 'Moon was a distraction' and that 'we are going straight to Mars'. His campaigning was echoed in US President Donald Trump's inauguration speech, in which he said that he wants to see an American flag on the Red Planet. Mr Al Marri said that the space centre 'can do both' – missions to the Moon and Mars. 'The Moon is very important – it's closer, it's a bit easier to get to. It's somewhere where a lot of testing can happen, and then that can then shift and go towards Mars. 'We can work on both at the same time. In the more immediate next five years, we're focusing on Moon and then Mars will, of course, be part of that, because whatever you're developing for the Moon can then go and shift there.' Nasa is designing its Gateway in a way so that astronauts can head to Mars before making a stop at the Moon-orbiting station.
