UAE’s Mission to Moon set for 2024

Our Correspondent

Close on the heels of the UAE’s launch of the Hope Probe to Mars, the country has announced its plans to send the Arab world’s first mission to the moon in 2024. The Emirates Moon Exploration Project will see “national competencies” employed for the mission.

This was announced on September 26 when His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, reviewed a 10-year strategy of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). The strategy 2021-31 includes programmes to develop new specialised satellites and an outer space simulation centre for training, academic and educational programmes.

On his Twitter account, Sheikh Mohammed said: “The UAE’s ambition in the space sector explores, plans and makes the future. Our youth, engineers and pioneers open new horizons in the science, technology and innovation fields in this vital sector for the future of our world.”

The Vice-President said new space missions will be announced soon. “The Emirati space programme is sustainable and would produce outputs that would have practical applications across other sectors. Professionals from these sectors will share their experiences with the rest of the country and the region. It will build international knowledge partnerships that will benefit humanity,” he said.

Sheikh Mohammed and the MBRSC reviewed the strategy that establishes a new phase of cooperation with international space agencies.

The strategy includes the UAE National Space Programme and covers the five basic components of the Emirates Mars Exploration Project ”Hope Probe” 2117 Strategy, the UAE Astronaut Programme; the Satellite Development Programme, and the UAE Space Sector Sustainability Programme.

Sheikh Mohammed was also briefed about the objectives of the new strategy to enhance innovation in the national space sector. It will prepare a new generation of qualified national cadres in the space sector to pursue advanced specialties in science, technology and space sectors. It will also attract new investments to the national space sector, which has been over Dh22 billion in the past few years.