The United Arab Emirates has taken an accelerated approach to enter the satellite and space industry. With 10 birds in orbit, the country is launching a Mars Mission in July 2020 and is committed to its 100-year plan to build a habitable settlement on Mars.
The UAE Space Agency (UAESA) was created in 2014 to facilitate development of the UAE space sector and has leveraged partnerships to transfer knowledge and build local skillsets, explains Director General Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi.
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“More than 30 bilateral agreements with other national space agencies have been signed. We have a strong relationship with NASA,” Al Ahbabi says. The UAE has also collaborated with Boeing on the Thuraya satellites, Northrop Grumman on Al Yah 3 for Yahsat, and Lockheed Martin on space fundamentals training.
The Arab Space Cooperation Group of 14 Arab countries was launched in the UAE to enable regional collaboration. A notable project, Satellite 813, adds to the region’s list of achievements.
“Our National Space Strategy aims to provide competitive and world-class space services, enhance local human capabilities, manufacture advanced space technologies, launch inspiring space missions, forge effective partnerships, and develop a future-proof legislative environment,” Al Ahbabi says.
Al Ahbabi says the country’s ambition is “limitless,” and “we will always be in pursuit of exploring space and joining forces with like-minded countries, agencies, and companies, and to contribute to the benefit of humanity.” VS
