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2014-12-01
REACHING FOR THE STARS
UAE takes giant leap into space
Even by its own lofty standards, the UAE has set itself one of its most ambitious goals ever – entering the space race. Dr Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, gives Nation Shield an exclusive insight into how all aspects the goals will be realised.
Will you brief us on the UAE Space Agency - why has it been created, what are its objectives and functions?
The UAE Space Agency is an independent body that reports to the Cabinet and enjoys financial and administrative independence, as well as the necessary legal capacity. It was established by a decree of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, to organize, supervise and manage the country’s space sector, as well as support the national knowledge-based economy.
Moreover, the agency is to provide technical and advisory support for all stakeholders in the country. It aims to establish international partnerships in the space sector to enhance the role of the state and its position in the space sector, and to contribute to the diversification the national economy through a sophisticated national space sector. It also aims to transfer knowledge in the field of space technology and to represent the state in conventions, programs and international forums in the field of space and its peaceful uses.
Within what strategy do you place the legitimate Emirati dream of space exploration?
There is no doubt that this step falls within the government’s strategy to achieve the vision of the UAE for the year 2021in terms of a quantum leap in economy and turning it into a knowledge-based economy, an economy based on transportation, production and effective use of knowledge by institutions, individuals and community.
What is the most important ingredient and what are the standards that qualify the UAE to successful carry out this huge project?
Thankfully, the State has thankfully viable and realistic constituents to achieve its goals in space, such as a clear vision for the future - the UAE vision 2021) - the wise leadership’s support for ambitious strategic initiatives, a culture of excellence and the pursuit of the highest ranks and material resources. More importantly there is the strong desire of national cadres to engage in the study of science and technology and in national space programs.
Who are the international partners participating in the development of the UAE space sector?
First we would depend on God and then the nation’s youth for the advancement of the national space sector, considering that space programs typically rely on partnership. Therefore, some of the partners will be identified through the kind of techniques required in the national space projects, especially the transfer of knowledge and advanced technologies to the country.
It is known the UAE’s plans and projects always bear a human and peaceful dimension that aims at the service of humanity. How do you think the UAE will employ its space program to serve humanity?
The UAE is an important model in human initiatives, such as Masdar Initiative for renewable energy. Likewise, in the field of space, space programs will seek to overcome many complex challenges through research, development and knowledge of new technologies. These include materials science, factory systems, renewable energy technologies, robotics and autonomous systems.
How will the red planet probe project help build a national research base, and develop national cadres specialized in the field of space in the coming years?
Mars probe project will stimulate the academic and industrial bodies in the country to establish and adopt research and development centers and use scientific methods dealing with space technology and science, aimed at giving students of schools, colleges and universities a passion for space science and techniques, and encouraging them to get involved in this area.
What are the Emirati citizens’ role in the UAE’s space program and what are the most important training programs that will qualify citizens to lead the space agency and operate its projects?
The UAE Space Agency will try to create a scientific and training platform for the preparation and development of young citizens by adopting centers of research, development and curricula that deal with space sciences. They will also train technical and administrative staff who will manage the agency by admitting them to advanced specialized courses inside or outside the country through strategic partnerships and cooperation agreements with local entities as well as with brotherly and friendly countries.
Is it our dream to see UAE astronauts on space expeditions in the near future?
The UAE and its prudent leadership like the challenge, and the cultural model that exists today is a pioneering one in the entire region. We do not rule out entering into astronaut preparation programs in the advanced stages of the agency’s future plan.
To what extent do national cadres participate in the construction of Mars probe, which is scheduled to land on the red planet during the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the United Arab Emirates?
The concept is Emirati, and design, management and construction of the main parts of the project will also be with Emirati hands. The objective is for the project to be rightfully Emirati. Space projects certainly require high professionalism and the preparation of human resources in the highest disciplines is a goal pursued by specialized agencies. Carefully selected national students are enrolled in the most prestigious universities in the world in order to gain knowledge and are provided with the best form of preparation and training to ensure that they do their jobs efficiently, accurately and professionally.
Building and preparation of core groups to explore the space undoubtedly require strengthening of partnerships and cooperation with expert international bodies, institutions and agencies. What are the plans and programs of the UAE Space Agency for the preparation of work and operations teams of the agency in general, and the Mars probe in particular?
The UAE Space Agency will be open to the world, as the space sector depends on international partnerships and cooperation agreements. The UAE has strong links with leading and experienced institutions in this area, and has ongoing programs of the scholarship and training.
Do you feel UAE’s heading towards space requires the establishment of a specialized college in space science? It also requires beginning study of space science in early stages of basic education to serve as a real nucleus to supplement this field with specialized scientific groups able to keep up with the latest global space technology?
A fundamental objective of the UAE Space Agency is to motivate and encourage students to engage in the study of scientific subjects from the early stages, and to increase the community awareness of the importance of space technology. The Agency is working on the coordination between the relevant agencies in the country to adopt programs and curricula aimed to create a scientific basis concerned with science and technology space.
What is the size of the UAE investments in projects and industries related to space technology? How are they spent, and what is their proportion to the size of spending in the international space sector?
The UAE government gives the space sector great importance as one of the sources of national economy, since the volume of investments in this sector is about US$7 billion (AED20 billion dirhams), which is the largest in the region in terms of the diversity and size of space projects. Among the leading companies in this field are: Yahsat, Thuraya and Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology, which designed and manufactured the satellites series (Dubai Sat and Khalifa Sat).
What is the most important financing sources of the UAE Space Agency, and does its budget belong to the federal budget?
The agency is mainly dependent on funding from the federal budget. The UAE spares no effort to invest in areas that support the development of the cognitive side of the economy.
The current UAE investments in satellites, satellite communications and other programs exceed AED20 billion. Do you expect significant growth in the volume of demand for this strategic sector?
We expect the growth rate to be close to the volume of the global growth, which amounts to approximately 8 per cent per annum. The applications of these programs are growing day after day, and the need for them multiply. I expect that the region is oriented to enter the domain of satellites in general, and satellite communications in particular, and also to witness increased investments in it.
Will you tell us about the added value of the space sector in the national economy of the UAE and the prospects for developing it as a strategic economic sector?
Many sectors rely directly or indirectly on satellite services. Therefore, the space sector is a factor of diversity and sustainability at the economic and strategic levels. The space program applications will surely contribute to the promotion of sustainable development set by our government on the ladder of its priorities.
Based on this space project, the UAE will be within nine countries in the world that have the programs to explore Mars - what are the prospects and outccome of this trend and its reflection on the status of the UAE internationally and scientifically?
The probe project will put the UAE on the global satellite map and will highlight its regional leadership in the space sector. The UAE is generally one the countries that usually looks to the future and works in fields that seem difficult or impossible in the eyes of others.
How do you evaluate the formal announcement of the entry by the UAE to explore outer space in light of the multiple disorders and conflicts in the Arab world?
This is a clear indication that the State is proceeding with development and humanitarian service at all levels in spite of the harsh conditions and the frustration that we are witnessing in the region. This is, no doubt, a message to the world that mitigates the negative effect of unrest in the Arab world, restores the mental image of the Arabs away from the atmosphere of discord and division, provides an alternative picture founded on technical and cognitive development, and is reminiscent of the old Arab glory in the field of science and discoveries.
The UAE will be the leader of the Arab and Islamic worlds through the project to explore Mars with Emirati cadres and national action team. To what extent does this trend support national human, economic and scientific development plans?
The United Arab Emirates is not a pioneer just in this project. In fact, the UAE leadership emerges in important scientific developments in areas, such as renewable energy, nuclear power and micro industries, all of which are evidence of the major mutually supportive shifts taking place in the state. It is certain that the succession of these achievements and successes supports the march of the State as a whole, and leads to other educational, scientific, economic and even social successes.
The practical steps of building the first Arab-Islamic probe to explore Mars began on the ground, and seven years separates us from achieving this ambition. What are the most important stages and programs in this foundation Stage?
The project will pass through several stages, beginning with the design of the scientific mission, then spacecraft design, then workmanship testing phase, and then the launching and operation stage. While completion dates are delayed or disrupted in some countries, projects in the United Arab Emirates are completed in a timely manner, and perhaps before deadlines.
To which extent will this project cause the UAE to achieve global progress and excellence?
In addition to other space projects, this project will place the United Arab Emirates on the global map, especially in the field of space research and innovation, and enhance our relations with advanced scientific institutions in one of the most accurate disciplines. It will stimulate a climate of scientific research in the country, and open for its citizens a path to innovation and excellence in a field that was monopolized by a small group of countries.
In your capacity as the Director General of the UAE Space Agency, what are your promises to the UAE people and the country’s wise leadership from now until 2021?
The agency will do everything in its power to develop the national space sector, as well as to achieve the success of Mars discovery mission, raising the State’s name high and advancing the national space sector.
What is your advice for the new generation of UAE young men and women who aspire to work in space science?
The space sector is a promising and ambitious one and a source of pride and inspiration, but it needs distinctive capabilities, so I would advise young people to join the training programs and scientific curricula to specialize in space technology, and also take applied sciences because they are the key to success in these advanced fields.
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