MIDDLE EAST: Plans for space education and research

Wagdy Sawahel 16 August 2009

The United Arab Emirates has announced plans to boost space science in higher education, as well as research and development in the UAE and the Middle East region.

The launch of the Emirates first US$50 million earth-observation satellite on 30 July was the first step in implementing the plan.

DubaiSat-1, the UAE's first dedicated 'eye in the sky', was successfully launched into orbit from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. It was developed by the South Korea-based Satrec initiative with the cooperation of 16 UAE engineers from the Emirates Institute of Advanced Science and Technology.

The remote sensing satellite has a minimum lifespan of five years. It will be used for research into fog forecasting, sandstorm prediction, monitoring water in the Gulf and improving the clarity of received satellite pictures, as well as detecting and monitoring pollution such as oil spills.

The satellite could also prove useful in managing the response to natural disasters and boost the UAE's research and development in space sciences and other scientific disciplines.

Although Emirati technicians were responsible for only 30% of the work on DubaiSat-1, two others dubbed DubaiSat-2 and 3 are expected to be ready by 2020 and will be developed by Emiratis.

"Developing a core team of UAE scientists and experts was the most definitive outcome of a strategy that is geared to support mature, knowledge-based development," said Ahmad Obaid Al Mansouri, Director-General of the Emirates institute.

The plan also includes the establishment of a US$800 million Gulf space centre and satellite programme based in Abu Dhabi. This will be the largest in the Middle East and North Africa region.

As well as setting up a space port and a satellite observation centre, the institute is developing a US$22.5 million assembly, integration and verification facility for testing satellites which will include shock testers and machines that simulate the effects of space.

One of the important home-grown space projects is the establishment of a US$30 million Gulf Earth Observation Centre, expected to be operational within six months. It will have a space academy providing education up to university level in telecommunications, electronics and space engineering.

The plan also includes establishing a federal space authority to coordinate national R&D programmes for spacecraft-satellite projects in government, private companies and academic institution research.

The UAE will hold the second annual Global Space Technology Forum in December in Abu Dhabi.

"This plan will position UAE as regional hub for space science and education as well as a Middle East centre of expertise offering assistance to countries looking to develop a presence in the space technology field", Hassan Moawad Abdel Al, former President of Alexandria's Mubarak City for Scientific Research and Technology Applications, told University World News.

Receive UWN's free weekly e-newsletters

Sponsored Article

Getting to net zero, one community at a time

University of Victoria staff

Accelerating Community Energy Transformation is a University of Victoria-led collaborative initiative that brings together over 40 partners, including Indigenous knowledge keepers and community leaders, to create innovative place-based solutions for energy system transformation.

Promoted by the University of Victoria.

Sponsored Article

Africa pays a premium for global climate change sluggishness

Stellenbosch University staff

Africa needs to stop paying the price for the rest of the world’s recalcitrance to act fast enough in response to the irrefutable conclusions that climate change is real and that the impact of global warming could be devasting, says Professor Guy Midgley, interim director of the School for Climate Studies at Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Promoted by the University of Victoria.

Sponsored Article

Innovations to ensure energy savings in a hot, arid climate

UAE University staff

Researchers from the United Arab Emirates University have shown that the potential benefits of building energy savings and a cooler indoor environment, as well as improved cooling effect on air temperature at pedestrian level, strongly indicate that a cool roof with high solar reflectance and albedo is a promising strategy for buildings in regions with hot, arid climates.

Promoted by United Arab Emirates University.

Sponsored Article

A new global university ranking with an ethical mission

Aftab Dean

A new university ranking system aims to serve as a catalyst for positive transformation in higher education, ensuring that universities create an environment grounded in integrity and sustainability that inspires and supports students and staff in the development of novel solutions to global challenges.

Promoted by Globethics.net.

Sponsored Article

SDG progress report launches university into new territory

University of Pretoria staff

In the publication of its first progress report on its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals, the University of Pretoria is navigating new territory at the same time as it is acknowledging its clear stewardship role in protecting the environment and biodiversity.

Promoted by the University of Pretoria.