The UAE will be participating in developing a module on NASA’s Lunar Gateway Station alongside the USA, Japan, Canada and the European Union, in addition to sending the first Emirati astronaut into lunar orbit as part of the project.
The UAE is the fifth partner in this project, which involves landing on the moon’s surface in preparation for upcoming missions directed towards Mars.
The UAE will be responsible for developing the lunar space station's Crew and Science Airlock, a critical component for maintaining a safe environment for astronauts. This unit will act as a portal of the station, serving as the entry and exit point for missions and astronauts travelling to the moon’s surface from the Lunar Gateway Station.
The first elements of Gateway are expected to be launched by 2025, while the Emirates Airlock is scheduled to be launched by 2030.
UAE announces its participation in Nasa’s Lunar Gateway Station – UAEGOV on X
In line with Mars 2117 Strategy, which seeks to build the first settlement on Mars in the next 100 years, the UAE will build a complex of buildings called Mars Science City. The AED 500 million city will cover 1.9 million square feet making it the largest space-simulation city ever built.
The project encompasses laboratories for food, energy and water, as well as agricultural testing and studies about food security in the future. A range of experiments will be devised to lead innovation around self-sufficiency in energy, water and food.
Mars Science City will also boast a museum that displays humanity’s greatest space achievements, including educational areas meant to engage young citizens with space and inspire a passion in them for exploration and discovery. The walls of the museum will be 3D printed, using sand from the UAE’s deserts.
Mars Science City project includes an experiential element. It will provide a viable and realistic model to simulate living on Mars. A team of scientists and astronauts will live in the simulated red planet for one year.
Related links:
VP, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince launch AED 500 mn Mars Science City at UAE Government Annual Meetings – WAM.
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