Latest news with #UAEAstronautProgramme


14-04-2025
- Science
Fifty Years On: UAE captivates Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, with visionary tale of future-building
After a journey spanning more than half a century, the UAE has returned to make its remarkable presence felt in the heart of Japan, launching its distinguished participation in Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, following its initial participation in 1970. Under the theme 'Earth to Ether', the UAE national pavilion opened its doors today to tell the world the story of a nation that transcended the limits of dreams and transformed them into a lived reality. It's an inspiring narrative of deep-rooted cultural origins intertwined with lofty space ambitions, a profound commitment to sustainability, and future-oriented healthcare. The UAE pavilion pulsates with a unique sensory experience, taking visitors on a journey through three captivating stations, where Emirati and global success stories are embodied, and the path of brilliant Emirati talents and international scientists who have left their mark in vital sectors is illuminated. From space explorers to healthcare pioneers and sustainability stewards, these leaders draw inspiration from their rich heritage to serve the future and make a real difference. Inside the pavilion, Nawal Al Hosany, the Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), shines alongside environmental innovation pioneers, including Yousif Bin Saeed Al Lootah, Executive Director of SS Lootah Group and Chairman of Lootah Biofuels, and Maryam Al Mazrouei, a renewable energy engineer at Masdar. The pavilion celebrates global pioneers in artificial intelligence and hybrid energy, such as the innovative duo Hayk Vasilyan, Maryam Ahmed Hassani, Co-Founders of Hydro Wind Energy, as well as Martin Takáč and Samuel Horváth, machine learning scientists and professors at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. The pavilion highlights the UAE's role in developing leading medical solutions through influential figures such as Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Programme at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Centre Ali Al Loghani, founder of the "Doctor Robot" project, and Dr. Habiba Al Safar, Professor and Dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Khalifa University, alongside international researchers in bioengineering and biology. Emirati astronaut Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, stands out, surrounded by ambitious young Emirati leaders in the astronomy and space sector, including Mohsen Al Awadhi, Director of Space Missions at the UAE Space Agency, Nora Al Matrooshi, Emirati astronaut - UAE Astronaut Programme at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, and Moza Al Maalla, a doctoral student in astronomy and astrophysics at Harvard University. This station provides pavilion visitors the opportunity to explore the success stories of these dreamers who have soared with their nation's hopes towards the stars. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.


Al Etihad
13-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Fifty Years On: UAE captivates Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, with visionary tale of future-building
13 Apr 2025 22:04 OSAKA (WAM) After a journey spanning more than half a century, the UAE has returned to make its remarkable presence felt in the heart of Japan, launching its distinguished participation in Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, following its initial participation in the theme 'Earth to Ether,' the UAE national pavilion opened its doors on Sunday to tell the world the story of a nation that transcended the limits of dreams and transformed them into a lived an inspiring narrative of deep-rooted cultural origins intertwined with lofty space ambitions, a profound commitment to sustainability, and future-oriented UAE pavilion pulsates with a unique sensory experience, taking visitors on a journey through three captivating stations, where Emirati and global success stories are embodied, and the path of brilliant Emirati talents and international scientists who have left their mark in vital sectors is space explorers to healthcare pioneers and sustainability stewards, these leaders draw inspiration from their rich heritage to serve the future and make a real the pavilion, the Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Nawal Al Hosany, shines alongside environmental innovation pioneers, including the Executive Director of SS Lootah Group and Chairman of Lootah Biofuels, Yousif Bin Saeed Al Lootah, and a renewable energy engineer at Masdar, Maryam Al Mazrouei. The pavilion celebrates global pioneers in artificial intelligence and hybrid energy, such as the innovative duo Hayk Vasilyan, Maryam Ahmed Hassani, Co-Founders of Hydro Wind Energy, as well as Martin Takáč and Samuel Horváth, machine learning scientists and professors at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial pavilion highlights the UAE's role in developing leading medical solutions through influential figures such as Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Programme at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Centre Ali Al Loghani, founder of the "Doctor Robot" project, and Dr. Habiba Al Safar, Professor and Dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Khalifa University, alongside international researchers in bioengineering and of State for Youth Affairs, Emirati astronaut Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, stands out, surrounded by ambitious young Emirati leaders in the astronomy and space sector, including Mohsen Al Awadhi, Director of Space Missions at the UAE Space Agency, Nora Al Matrooshi, Emirati astronaut - UAE Astronaut Programme at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, and Moza Al Maalla, a doctoral student in astronomy and astrophysics at Harvard University. This station provides pavilion visitors the opportunity to explore the success stories of these dreamers who have soared with their nation's hopes towards the stars.


Zawya
06-04-2025
- Science
- Zawya
Geospatial Week 2025 hosted by MBRSC set to begin tomorrow
Dubai – UAE: Geospatial Week 2025 (GSW 2025), hosted by Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), in collaboration with the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS), is all set to begin tomorrow at the World Trade Centre in Dubai. The event, running from 7 to 11 April 2025, under the theme 'Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing for a Better Tomorrow,' will welcome leading voices from around the globe to explore the latest advancements in geospatial science and technology. GSW 2025 promises an engaging five-day programme featuring a wide range of workshops, plenary sessions, oral and poster presentations, as well as a comprehensive scientific exhibition spotlighting pioneering technologies and solutions from both local and international geospatial companies. The event is designed to facilitate high-level knowledge exchange and dynamic networking opportunities, attracting industry leaders, satellite operations executives, researchers, academicians, innovators, and young professionals. With a focus on enabling new partnerships and collaborative efforts, GSW 2025 aims to accelerate progress in spatial sciences and promote sustainable applications of photogrammetry and remote sensing. GSW 2025 aims to strengthen communication within the ISPRS community and beyond, ensuring that its activities gain increased visibility and impact each year. The event also presents an excellent opportunity for sustaining members to engage in ISPRS activities and contribute to the organisation's mission. -Ends- For Media Queries: MBRSC Media Team - mbrsc@ ABOUT MOHAMMED BIN RASHID SPACE CENTRE (MBSRC): MBRSC is an advanced scientific and technological hub, responsible for making the UAE a world leader in space services and exploration. Starting with a small team of dedicated engineers in 2006, MBRSC has grown into the incubator of the UAE National Space Programme, fostering scientific research, and building a sustainable space sector in the UAE. MBRSC is home to the Satellite Development Programme, UAE Astronaut Programme, and Emirates Lunar Mission, among others. Under its satellite programme, the Centre has built, developed, and operated several Earth observation satellites, including DubaiSat-1; DubaiSat-2; KhalifaSat, the first satellite that was fully built by Emiratis; MBZ-SAT, the most advanced satellite in the region and the recently launched Etihad-SAT, the Centre's first SAR satellite. MBRSC is also developing the Emirates Airlock, a crew and science airlock module for the Gateway lunar space station, humanity's first international outpost to orbit the Moon. Additionally, the UAE will also be sending an Emirati astronaut on a Moon mission. Under the UAE Astronaut Programme, MBRSC currently has four astronauts, two of who have undertaken missions to the International Space Station, including the longest Arab space mission in history by H.E. Dr. Sultan Saif AlNeyadi.


Zawya
14-03-2025
- Science
- Zawya
MBRSC's first SAR satellite, Etihad-SAT, set to launch tomorrow
Dubai: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) today announced that its first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, Etihad-SAT is scheduled for launch tomorrow (15 March) from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket at 10:39 AM (UAE time). The launch date and timing may be subject to change based on weather and operational conditions. Developed as part of a strategic partnership with South Korea's Satrec Initiative, Etihad-SAT was designed with the involvement of MBRSC's team, who led the technical specifications phase before moving on to preliminary design and technical validation to ensure compliance with the highest global standards. MBRSC engineers then took the lead in finalising the design and manufacturing in partnership with Satrec Initiative. The development is in line with the Centre's commitment to enhancing national space capabilities through knowledge transfer and the localisation of advanced technologies. Etihad-SAT is equipped with advanced SAR technology that enables high-precision Earth observation across all weather and environmental conditions during both day and night. The satellite offers three imaging modes: spot mode (high-resolution imaging for small areas), scan mode (wide-area coverage for large regions) and strip mode (extended observation for longer regions). These features make Etihad-SAT a powerful tool for multiple industries, from detecting oil spills and managing natural disasters to enhancing maritime navigation, supporting smart agriculture, and conducting environmental monitoring. Additionally, the data provided by Etihad-SAT will be processed using AI-powered technologies. Following the launch, the satellite will be operated and managed by MBRSC's Mission Control Centre, where specialised teams will oversee operations and analyse the data transmitted from space to Earth. ABOUT MOHAMMED BIN RASHID SPACE CENTRE (MBSRC): MBRSC is an advanced scientific and technological hub, responsible for making the UAE a world leader in space services and exploration. Starting with a small team of dedicated engineers in 2006, MBRSC has grown into the incubator of the UAE National Space Programme, fostering scientific research, and building a sustainable space sector in the UAE. MBRSC is home to the Satellite Development Programme, UAE Astronaut Programme, and Emirates Lunar Mission, among others. Under its satellite programme, the Centre has built, developed, and operated several Earth observation satellites, including DubaiSat-1, DubaiSat-2 and KhalifaSat, the first satellite that was fully built by Emiratis as well as the recently launched MBZ-SAT, the most advanced satellite in the region. MBRSC is also developing the Emirates Airlock, a crew and science airlock module for the Gateway lunar space station, humanity's first international outpost to orbit the Moon. Additionally, the UAE will also be sending an Emirati astronaut on a Moon mission. Under the UAE Astronaut Programme, MBRSC currently has four astronauts, two of who have undertaken missions to the International Space Station, including the longest Arab space mission in history by H.E. Dr. Sultan Saif AlNeyadi.


Khaleej Times
22-02-2025
- Science
- Khaleej Times
UAE's first female astronaut hopes to 'one day' plant country's flag on moon
"I hope to one day be the astronaut who will plant the UAE flag on the moon," said Noora AlMatrooshi, the first Emirati female astronaut, during her talk with students at the American Academy for Girls in Dubai on Friday. When asked about working in a traditionally male-dominated field, AlMatrooshi emphasised that 'space exploration is no longer limited to men' and stressed the growing role of women in the industry. The pioneering Emirati astronaut shared her aspirations to inspire young Emiratis to pursue careers as astronauts in the space corps. Apart from reaching the moon, AlMatrooshi also aims to contribute to future missions to Mars. As part of her training, she studies geology to help astronauts identify rock samples that could provide key insights into the history of the red planet. 'Work hard, stay committed' Speaking to Khaleej Times at the event, AlMatrooshi said: "The impact I want to leave on girls is to motivate them to engage with the UAE space programme and different initiatives offered by the country. I want them to know that our leaders and our country provide them with the opportunities they need. 'They must be prepared for these opportunities; work hard, stay committed, and serve their country in all fields,' she added. AlMatrooshi also reflected on her journey when she and her colleague Mohammed AlMulla were selected in 2021 as part of the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme. "We began our training at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in Dubai, then moved to NASA's Johnson Space Centre, where we trained for two and a half years. 'We learned various skills, including spacewalk missions, training on the International Space Station (ISS) and [with] the robotic arm systems, physical fitness training, and leadership skills. We continue our training at the MBRSC and the Johnson Space Centre in US,' she added. 'At MBRSC, we are working on multiple projects, including the astronaut programme. There are also other programmes like our partnership with NASA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and the European Space Agency (ESA). 'We are working together on future projects, such as sending astronauts to the moon. UAE is currently the fifth partner in the 'Lunar Gateway' program for the space station, which will orbit the moon. The UAE is responsible for developing the airlock module,' she continued. AlMatrooshi also shared with the students that her journey to space began with a mechanical engineering background, long before the UAE had an astronaut programme. Encouraged by her family, she pursued her dream and was selected for the UAE astronaut corps, which also included Hazza Al Mansouri, the first Emirati who went to space, and Sultan Al Neyadi, the first Arab who performed a spacewalk. AlMatrooshi said she trained by piloting high-speed jets, mastering the systems of the International Space Station, and conducting spacewalk simulations at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory in the US. Bravery and independence The American Academy for Girls honoured AlMatrooshi at the Woman of Distinction event. Three grade 11 students, namely Fatma AlShehhi, the cultural captain for Blue House; Mahra Masam, the head of Blue House, and Alia Saleh, the deputy head, explained that they Almatrooshi as their honourary house leader for her bravery and independence. "It was truly empowering because, especially as girls, we usually get intimidated to go out there into a male-dominated world," said Alia. They were inspired by AlMatrooshi's courage to be the first Emirati woman in her field, which made them feel more confident about stepping out of their comfort zones and challenging societal expectations, the students added. The students shared diverse future ambitions: AlShehhi plans to be an eco-ambassador focusing on sustainability, Mahra aims to inspire Emirati women in education or healthcare, and Alia hopes to pursue engineering or advanced studies in physics.