Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The UAE is marking a “historic” moment in international collaboration in space, and the future of upcoming human space exploration, Vice President of the United Nations Regional Centre for Space Science, Alaa Elnahry, told Aletihad on Monday.
The UAE had announced on Sunday that the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) will provide a science airlock and crew for NASA’s Lunar Gateway, humanity’s first space station that will orbit the Moon. The arrangement is a collaborative project, with the UAE working alongside the USA, Japan, Canada, and the European Union. It includes sending a UAE astronaut to fly to the space station on a future Artemis mission.
Elnahry explained that this module will allow Gateway crews to perform spacewalks outside the Gateway as well as install and retrieve external science payloads.
“With this step and previous achievements in space science, the UAE has proven beyond doubt that it is leading the way in space science in the Arab world,” he said.
Elnahry further noted that this step paves the way for further international cooperation, as advanced countries in space sciences realise the scientific and technical potential of the UAE’s young scientists and the interests of the country and its wise leadership in advancing space sciences.
It also guarantees the UAE a spot in future space collaborations, such as the Artemis mission, he added.
Elnahry views that international scientific collaboration, which contributes to achieving financial efficiency through cost sharing, is the “key” to solving the most complex global challenges.
“Getting the benefits of increased international scientific collaboration is the key to solving some of humanity’s greatest challenges. The International Space Station is a prime example of historically competitive nations working together on a significant space research project,” he said.
