Sheikh Hamdan Chairs MBRSC Board Meeting, Sets Vision For UAE's Space Future
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, affirmed the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre's (MBRSC) pivotal role in advancing the UAE's space sector. The Centre is instrumental in enhancing the UAE's National Space Programme and supporting global space exploration efforts.
During a meeting of the MBRSC Board of Directors, chaired by Sheikh Hamdan, he was briefed on the Centre's ambitious future programmes and missions. These include the development and launch of satellites under the UAE Satellite Programme. Notably, MBZ-SAT, the region's most advanced satellite, is set for launch by October this year.
Additionally, HCT-SAT 1, an Earth-observation CubeSat, is being developed in collaboration with students from the Higher Colleges of Technology. This initiative integrates space technology within the education sector under the expert guidance of MBRSC engineers.
Sheikh Hamdan was updated on the Emirates Airlock project, a crew and science airlock module for the Gateway lunar space station. This development follows the UAE joining the multi-agency project. He also reviewed progress on the Rashid Rover 2, the UAE’s latest mission to explore the Moon.
"Our strategic vision for developing and launching advanced technology and missions is about inspiring a generation to dream big and aim higher," Sheikh Hamdan stated. "Every new project enhances our national capabilities, ensuring that the UAE remains synonymous with innovation in space sciences."
Recognition and Collaboration
Talal Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Vice President of MBRSC, and Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, presented Sheikh Hamdan with a framed souvenir from Senator Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator. The souvenir included flags of the UAE and USA carried to the Moon during the Artemis 1 lunar flyby mission.
Following the Board meeting, Sheikh Hamdan met UAE astronauts Mohammad AlMulla and Nora AlMatrooshi. He congratulated them on their successful graduation from NASA's Astronaut Candidate Class training programme. Astronauts Mohammad and Nora briefed His Highness on their extensive two-year training.
Future Plans for UAE Astronaut Programme
Astronaut Hazzaa AlMansoori, Astronauts Office Manager, updated Sheikh Hamdan on upcoming plans for the UAE Astronaut Programme. The insights shared highlighted continued progress and future missions that aim to further establish the UAE’s prominence in global space exploration.
HE Hamad Obaid AlMansoori remarked: "With support from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, under Sheikh Hamdan’s directives, the UAE continues to lead efforts in space exploration. MBRSC remains central to this mission with a clear vision and commitment to innovation."
Commitment to Innovation
HE Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, added: "Under Sheikh Hamdan’s guidance, MBRSC continues to innovate and achieve new milestones. We are dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment that encourages technological breakthroughs. By supporting global collaborations and developing advanced technologies, we aim to contribute significantly to human knowledge and improve quality of life on Earth."
With inputs from WAM
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