UAE aims to send unmanned mission to Mars in 2021

“That’s one small step for man one giant leap for mankind.” Neil Armstrong’s words on setting his foot on the moon caught the world in awe in 1969. Forty-five years later the same level of astonishment and exuberance enveloped the nation when the UAE entered the space race with a project to send an unmanned probe to Mars by 2021.

It will be the Arab world’s first mission to another planet. A new UAE Space Agency will be created to coordinate the nation’s growing space technology sector and to supervise the mission.

The Mars probe’s nine-month and more than 60 million kilometre journey will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the UAE’s formation.

“The UAE Mars probe represents the Islamic world’s entry into the era of space exploration. We will prove that we are capable of delivering new scientific contributions to humanity” the President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan said on the country’s great ambitions and the giant leap it has taken in space research in such a short time.

“The UAE’s purpose is to build Emirati technical and intellectual capabilities in the fields of aerospace and space exploration and to enter the space industry and to make use of space technology in a way that enhances the country’s development plans” the President added.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai shared the country’s as well as the region’s confidence in forging ahead to make great strides: “Despite all the tensions and the conflicts across the Middle East we have proved today how positive a contribution the Arab people can make to humanity through great achievements given the right circumstances and ingredients. Our region is a region of civilisation. Our destiny is once again to explore to create to build and to civilise” Shaikh Mohammed said.

“We chose the epic challenge of reaching Mars because epic challenges inspire us and motivate us. The moment we stop taking on such challenges is the moment we stop moving forward” Shaikh Mohammed added.

The UAE is one of only nine countries with space programmes to explore the Red Planet.

Laurent Lemaire managing director of DIFC-based Elseco the largest space underwriting entity worldwide said the UAE is already home to the world’s largest space insurer so is well-equipped to be among the top countries in the field of aerospace by their target date of 2021.

“Space is not just a business it is also an energy focus point for a country from which technology can be developed and turned into business. Some very exciting times lie ahead for the industry” Lemaire said.

“It is a tangible project illustrating an ambitious vision for the UAE and more largely for the Arab world” he added.

The Red Planet project to be led by Emiratis would be a turning point in the UAE’s development establishing the space technology sector as a key component of the national economy for years to come.

The mission will also expand the nation’s human capital through knowledge transfer from international partners.

The UAE’s investments in space technologies exceed Dh20 billion including the satellite data and TV broadcast company Al Yah Satellite Communications; the mobile satellite communication company Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications; and the earth mapping and observation system Dubai Sat.

Shaikh Mohammed said that the UAE Space Agency would be responsible for supervising and organising all such activities developing the sector ensuring knowledge transfer enhancing the country’s position as a global player in aerospace and maximising the contribution of space industries to the national economy. The agency will report to the Cabinet and enjoy financial and administrative independence.

Globally space technologies are becoming increasingly important to the security and economy of nations in many cases backed by massive national programmes and establishments. The sector is integral to many aspects of life from telecommunications and navigation to broadcasting and monitoring of weather and natural disasters.

The industry is estimated to be worth around $300 billion globally and growing by around eight per cent annually.

“We aim for the UAE to be among the top countries in the field of aerospace by 2021. We have a great belief in Allah and in the talents of our young people. We have the strongest determination the greatest ambitions and a clear plan to reach our targets” President Shaikh Khalifa said.

Already a significant player in the aerospace industry the UAE is on track to build the first Arab-made satellite. The Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology also known as EIAST is build the indigenous satellite expected to be in the earth’s orbit by 2017.

Omran Sharaf director of programme management department EIAST told Khaleej Times in May that the Khalifa Sat project will be a 100 per cent Emirati satellite and will boost the UAE space programme.

Abu Dhabi-based Al Yah Satellite Communications Company popularly known as Yahsat will be launching its third satellite in 2016.

The third satellite will place the UAE satellite operator as the world’s eighth largest operator in terms of revenue and as a leader in innovative satellite solutions.

Yahsat a wholly owned company of the Mubadala Development Company launched its second satellite Y1B on April 24 2012. It’s first satellite Y1A was launched in April 2011 from European Space Centre in Kourou French Guiana.

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