UAE Space Agency Vision: A Journey Towards the Stars

In the times, when magnets and compasses were nothing less than gold for the sailors, the sea was the playing field for the maritime traders who relied on constellations to navigate, the Arab astronomers surfaced to be at the forefront of labelling our galaxy's stars. That's how the Arab world's legacy in space spans over. 

Today, the Arab world's historic leadership in the study of space is being rejuvenated by the UAE with international partners and skilful Emirati leaders teaming up with it to explore Mars, conduct revolutionary research on the ISS (International Space Station), and deliver cutting-edge telecommunications solutions around the world. Space Exploration also helps in monitoring the climate change impacts. 

To benefit the people of UAE and to shape their future by shielding it with the acquisition of every possible innovation, the far-sighted leadership of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan came in when he met with the Apollo mission team back in the mid-1970s and laid stress on putting UAE at the forefront of humanity's development. It shows UAE's interest in space dates back centuries.

As a desert nation, UAE’s journey might have begun on a camel, but now has boldly ventured into the cosmos by walking neck-to-neck with the most revolutionary technologies in the world of space exploration. In the hunt of achieving its unparalleled aspirations, UAE hasn't kept itself away from its roots and successfully retained its culture and heritage to make the younger generation future-ready and stay connected with its genesis.

UAE Space Vision is a testament to its ambitions and forward-thinking approach to technological advancement. This perspective has evolved significantly over the years, with several key milestones marking its journey. 

In 2006, the foundations for UAE’s space endeavours were laid with the creation of the Emirates Institute for Advanced Science & Technology (EIAST). This institution was established to spearhead the UAE’s ambitions in space technology and research. It was later renamed the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), marking a significant shift in its scope. Now overseeing national space projects and research, the MBRSC signifies a broader and integrated approach to space exploration.

2009 DubaiSAT-1: The launch of DubaiSAT-1 in July 2009 on board a DNEPR rocket from Kazakhstan marked the UAE’s first push into remote sensing and Earth observation. Developed in collaboration with South Korea, this satellite provided high-resolution imagery critical for environmental monitoring and urban planning. It aptly observed the environmental shifts and weather phenomena across Asia and also provided invaluable support during natural disasters, most significantly, the devastating Earthquake and Tsunami that struck Japan in 2011.This milestone was a decisive step towards establishing the UAE as a serious player in the space sector.

2013 DubaiSAT-2: Building on the success of its predecessor DubaiSAT-1, DubaiSAT-2 was launched in November 2013 from the Dombarovsky launch site in Russia to provide even more detailed Earth observation data. It was built by the Satrec initiative (a satellite manufacturing company in South Korea). This project was notable for its support by Emirati engineers who worked on its design, development, and testing, marking a step towards self-sufficiency and exhibiting the growing competence within the UAE.

2013 KhalifaSAT: KhalifaSAT represented a major sailover as it was the first satellite fully built by Emirati engineers. This achievement underscored the UAE’s commitment to nurturing local talent and advancing expertise in space technology, further cementing its position in the global space community. It was developed over five years and launched in October 2018 from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan into low Earth orbit, revolving from pole to pole at an altitude as low as 613 km. The images from this Remote Sensing Earth Observation Satellite have been used to monitor environmental changes, and the impacts of global warming and support emergency relief operations during natural disasters.

2014 Establishment of the UAE Space Agency: The establishment of the UAE Space Agency was a crucial development in regulating and supporting the UAE’s exponentially rising space sector. This agency was tasked with cultivating international collaboration, ensuring the UAE’s space activities abide by international laws and standards, and aligning extensively with UAE Space Vision.

Role of the UAE Space Agency

The UAE Space Agency plays a pivotal role in shaping the country’s space vision. It is responsible for composing national space policies, such as the UAE Space Strategy 2030, which also aligns with Dubai’s broader space aspirations. The agency also provides regulatory oversight, ensuring that all space activities comply with international laws and standards. In 2022, the UAE updated its space laws to aid commercial space activities, showcasing its commitment to assisting a conducive environment for space exploration and commercialization.

Thuraya, a leading provider of mobile satellite services, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yahsat, a prominent global satellite operator headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, and a subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company. 

Thuraya-1, the UAE's first satellite was launched in 2000 and became the Middle East's first mobile telecommunications satellite. Al Yah 3, owned by Yahsat is amongst other commercial satellites that provide leading-edge "ka-band" coverage (frequency spectrum of 18-40 GHz used in Satellite Communications, Military Radars, and Aircraft Entertainment) and support to 19 markets across Africa, cowling 60% of the population, coupled with 95% of the Brazilian population.

MBRSC Contributions

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) located at Al Khawaneej, Dubai, has been instrumental in developing and launching several satellites, including DubaiSAT-1, DubaiSAT-2, and KhalifaSAT. These satellites are designed and tasked to provide critical data for various purposes, such as urban planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. The Dubai government plans to create a knowledge-based economy that is well-backed by the MBRSC. This support would help position the UAE amongst the most innovative countries in the world in the space sector. Its contributions highlight the UAE’s dedication to leveraging space technology for practical and beneficial purposes.

Investment in Space Technology

UAE’s investment in space technology is notable, reflecting its commitment to becoming a leading astronautical nation. The UAE government has invested over $5.5 billion in space missions, research projects, and infrastructure development. The Space sector is one of the most advanced and promising sectors in the region which holds a determined future for the nation. The investment in advanced technology for the space economy has resulted in a rise in commercial spending (e.g - Satellite Internet Services, Satellite Television Broadcasting) by 29.54% in 2023, pushing the space sector's expectations to expand beyond the trillion-dollar mark by 2040.This investment underscores the importance of space technology in the UAE Space Program for the future. 

Hope Probe (Mars Mission)

Launched in 2020, the Hope Probe marked a historic milestone as the UAE became the first Arab and Islamic country to embark on a Mars mission. It was announced in 2015 and the aim was to create mankind’s first-ever integrated model of the Red Planet’s atmosphere. The UAE Space Agency supervised and fully funded the Mission and the Probe is being developed by the MBRSC, in cooperation with international partners. 

The probe aims to study the Martian atmosphere and climate, providing valuable data for the global scientific community. The data collected from the mission is expected to help scientists unravel many unanswerable puzzles related to the Martian climate dynamics and understand why Mars' atmosphere is decaying into space. The instruments are designed to collect different atmospheric data points to quantify seasonal and daily changes; this will shed light on how energy and particles, like oxygen and hydrogen, move through the atmosphere of Mars. As of 2023, the Hope Probe has exceeded over 1,000 orbits and transmitted more than 825 GB of data back to Earth. 

Emirates Lunar Mission (Rashid Rover)

The Emirates Lunar Mission, featuring the Rashid Rover was launched on 11 December 2022 to explore the lunar surface and study the Moon’s geology and environment. "Rashid" was the first Emirati lunar rover named after the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, builder of modern Dubai. A 100 percent Emirati team of engineers, experts and researchers designed and built the explorer in the UAE itself. This mission, launched in collaboration with the Japan Space Agency (JAXA), signifies the UAE’s expanding presence in space exploration and its ambition to contribute to lunar research. 

The main aim of the mission was to study the Moon's plasma and look into several other aspects such as moondust, the lunar surface, how mobile the moon's surface is, and how different surfaces behave in the presence of lunar particles. The launch of the rover represented a very monumental achievement in the field of space exploration, hence supporting the UAE Space Vision, even though it didn't land successfully on the moon's surface. 

MBR Explorer Mission

Scheduled for launch in 2028, the MBR Explorer Mission is part of the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) in which the explorer will be launched by the Japanese rocket.

The explorer will travel for a seven-year voyage to the "Main Asteroid Belt" between Mars and Jupiter, and the trajectory for its flyby campaign will be optimized by the gravity assist manoeuvres from Venus, Earth, and Mars.The mission aims to focus on exploring seven asteroids within the belt out of which the explorer will first land on "Justitia" asteroid to primarily study its unique ultra-red characteristics. Scientists are also expecting to unveil the secrets behind the origin and evolution of the asteroid belt and asteroids that exhibit water indications.

Some of the key components of the project -

1. Private Emirati companies with specialization in Space technology to be established.
2. Manage Deep Space Missions by creating dedicated ground control centers
3. Provide training opportunities for fresh Emirati graduates.

This mission represents another bold step in the exploration efforts under UAE Space Programs, highlighting its commitment to uncovering the mysteries of our solar system.

UAE Space Vision is heavily supported by international collaborations, underscoring their commitment to global cooperation in space exploration.

Partnerships with Other Space Agencies

The UAE has forged partnerships with several leading space agencies, including NASA (US), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), and ISRO (India). These collaborations have facilitated various missions and projects, enhancing the UAE’s capabilities and expertise in space technology.

Mars 2117 Strategy In collaboration with NASA, the UAE has embarked on the Mars 2117 strategy, which aims to establish a human settlement on Mars by 2117. This ambitious project underscores the UAE’s long-term vision for space exploration and its commitment to contributing to humanity’s future in space.

UAE’s Astronaut Program The UAE’s astronaut program, developed in collaboration with Roscosmos (Russian State Corporation for Space Activities), saw the launch of the first Emirati astronaut, Hazzaa Al Mansoori, to the International Space Station aboard the Russian Soyuz spacecraft in 2019. This milestone was a significant achievement for the UAE Space Vision, showcasing its growing capabilities in human spaceflight.

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) The Emirates Lunar Mission is being launched in collaboration with JAXA, utilizing Japanese technology and expertise. Also the upcoming MBR Explorer to the Asteroid Belt will be launched by the Japanese rocket. These collaborations highlight a strong partnership between the UAE and Japan in space exploration. 

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Amidst the flourishing bilateral relations between India and UAE, Space technology is a key area of cooperation. The UAE has collaborated with ISRO for satellite launch services, using ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), UAE launched its Nayif-1 satellite in 2017. This partnership underscores the importance of international cooperation in achieving space exploration goals.

UAE Space Vision extends beyond missions and satellites, emphasizing the importance of education and scientific research in building a sustainable space sector.

Space-Related Programs and Initiatives

National Space Programme The UAE’s National Space Programme includes scholarships and internships designed to develop local talent in space-related fields. These initiatives aim to build a strong foundation of expertise within the UAE, ensuring a sustainable and innovative space sector.

MBRSC Educational Programs The MBRSC (Dubai) conducts workshops and lectures for students, promoting interest and knowledge in space technology and sciences. These educational programs are crucial for inspiring the next generation of space scientists and engineers.

Arab Youth Venture Foundation (AYVF) The AYVF offers internship opportunities for Emirati students at NASA, promoting STEM education and providing invaluable experience in space research and technology.

Space Robotics and AI Lab (SRAIL) The SRAIL advances research in space, robotics, and AI, positioning the UAE as a leader in cutting-edge technologies. This lab supports the development of innovative solutions for space exploration and other high-tech industries.

Dubai’s space vision has significant economic implications, creating opportunities for economic diversification, technological innovation, and international collaboration.

Benefits and Opportunities

Economic Diversification The space sector contributes to economic diversification by reducing the UAE’s dependency on oil revenues. By developing high-tech and knowledge-based industries, the UAE is positioning itself as a global leader in innovation and technology.

Technological Innovation and R&D The UAE has invested AED 22 billion in space projects over the past decade, driving technological innovation and research and development (R&D). These investments are crucial for developing new technologies and advancing scientific knowledge.

International Collaborations International collaborations have brought investment, expertise, and technology transfer to the UAE. The country has signed over 30 agreements with international partners, fostering a collaborative environment for space exploration.

Fueling Engines Of Growth The MBR Explorer Mission to the Asteroid Belt would create substantial economic opportunities by attracting international partnerships, raising investments, and spurring Emirati startups. The UAE Space Fund supports this promising endeavor with nearly $1 billion. Moreover, a 50% allocation of the project to local companies would also give an added push to the economy and reduce over-reliance on technology exchanges to smoothly steer through the journey of space exploration. 

Real Estate Investment The UAE Space Program contributes to economic diversification, reducing reliance on oil and gas, thereby creating a more stable and attractive environment for real estate investment. Such a conducive landscape would result in the development of Spaceports and gather potential for space-themed resorts or residential communities. These developments could attract wealthy investors and tourists, driving demand for luxury properties.

Investments in STEM Educational Programs The UAE has made significant investments in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) educational programs, ensuring that the next generation is well-equipped to contribute to the space sector. These programs are essential for building a knowledgeable and skilled workforce.

UAE Astronaut Program and Emirates Mars Mission The UAE Astronaut Program and Emirates Mars Mission have involved over 5,000 students in workshops conducted by the UAE Space Agency and MBRSC. These initiatives inspire and educate young minds, preparing them for future careers in space technology and exploration.

UAE Space Vision is a remarkable journey of ambition, innovation, and collaboration. From its early developments to major milestones and upcoming missions, the UAE has established itself as a significant player in the global space community. Through substantial investments, international partnerships, and a strong focus on education and research, UAE is paving the way for a future where space exploration and technology play a central role in its economic and scientific advancements.  

The space sector is also synonymous with a broad value chain that starts from satellite manufacturing and rocket launching. The MBRSC complies with this and has been at the center of space exploration in the UAE. Dubai with its robust financial services is well-integrated with the global industry, enabling the space companies to leverage its international relations.As the UAE continues to reach for the stars, its vision for space remains a beacon of progress and inspiration for the world.