‘Space is the gateway to science and science is the driver of the future economy.’ – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
It has already been more than two years since the Emirates Mars Mission “Hope Probe” went into orbit around Mars in February 2021.
The landmark NASA SpaceX Crew-6 Mission represents the Arab world’s first long-duration space study, the UAE’s second mission to the ISS and yet another milestone in our journey to enrich our knowledge of the universe.
Sultan Al-Neyadi’s a six-and-a-half hour assignment, as part of his six-month long ISS mission symbolises yet another chapter in the UAE’s ambitious space programme, which has already witnessed extraordinary feats in recent years.
It feels like yesterday since we all watched the launch of the Hope Probe as part of the Emirates Mars Mission, the first planetary science mission led by an Arab nation with pride and excitement.
UAE astronaut Sultan Al-Neyadi’s space walk
Now, as Al-Neyadi prepares to step outside for his first extravehicular activity, the expedition represents another significant step forward for the UAE as it embarks on a new stage of space exploration which help inform future lunar expeditions and further expand humanity’s understanding of science and the space sector.
The UAE’s focus on increasing knowledge of the space sector and developing a scientific legacy in the fields of technology and innovation is by no means a new concept.
Indeed, more than a decade ago, the UAE established key government entities, national space centres, educational programmes and important initiatives to support, research, and develop space sciences and increase the contribution of the sector to the national economy.
Today’s spacewalk is a huge step forward and is a moment to reflect on how far we have come, and how far we might go in the future. It is also a time to recognise the significant contribution of space science, innovation and technology in achieving sustainable development goals for humanity as a whole – crossing borders, cultures and civilisations.
As a global landmark and a platform to study the future, design its ideas and create deep discussions about its trends in scientific, economic, environmental and social sectors, the space industry is a central theme represented within Museum of the Future.
One of the flagship exhibitions at Museum of the Future is themed on a future space station and welcomes thousands of young pioneers, a new generation of aspiring astronauts, space technicians, and thought leaders, to gather and share their passion for space, knowledge, and learning.
Since opening in February 2022, the museum has hosted a line-up of inspirational figures from across the Arab world and beyond, to engage with, and inspire a new generation of space sector professionals.
These include both Sultan Al-Neyadi as well as Hazza Al Mansoori who became the first Emirati astronaut to journey into space in September 2019, and, as well as members of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and the UAE Space Agency, alongside other important members of the global space community.
The museum also hosts a programme of thought-provoking events and hands-on workshops themed around the space sector which engage young minds and help encourage future applications for the UAE astronaut programme and other initiatives, whilst driving unprecedented interest in the space services sector amongst people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures.
This is especially relevant now given that space has become even more topical in the day-to-day lives of the youth.
The space sector is front and centre of the UAE’s efforts to build a strong and sustainable economy, focused on boosting innovation and driving the future knowledge-based economy.
The space industry is also one of the key priorities for the Emirates for the next fifty years and the UAE has invested more than AED22 billion on space-related activities since 2015 as part of the UAE 2030 National Space Strategy.
As we look ahead, we know that the world we will live in will be a very different one from today. One thing we know for certain, is that our knowledge of celestial bodies, robotics and satellite technology will be light years ahead of what it is today.
All of us at Museum of the Future are proud to play our role in motivating and supporting the next generation of scientists to trail blaze humanity’s next steps towards the future and into the unknown as part of our drive to build a more hopeful future for all.
As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum wisely commented “The new limit of the ambitions that we set for our future generations is space. The limit of our aspirations is the sky”.
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