A UAE mission to an asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter is on course after a review to assess its design, safety, risks, budget and schedule.
Engineers and scientists gathered at a three-day event in Abu Dhabi for the preliminary design review.
The mission includes the development of the MBR Explorer, named after Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
The spacecraft, set for launch in 2028, will travel 5 billion kilometres over seven years to explore seven asteroids and attempt to land on the last one.
“The final phase of the mission’s design is more than just a technical step," said Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, director general of the UAE Space Agency.
"It reflects our strategic vision and continuous development to support the achievement of the mission’s scientific goals and enhance our position as pioneers in this vital sector.”
The review helped to confirm the project's feasibility and a readiness to proceed to the next phase of development.
The mission
The celestial bodies the UAE spacecraft will explore are 10253 Westerwald, 623 Chimaera, 13294 Rockox, 88055, 23871, 59980 and a mysterious reddish-coloured asteroid called Justitia.
The MBR Explorer will pass by Venus, Mars and Earth to reach the asteroid belt.
Scientists are fascinated by the asteroid belt because it contains remnants of the solar system and could give clues as to how Earth and other planets were formed.
The mission could also lay the ground for future asteroid resource extraction, with the asteroid belt reportedly containing $700 quintillion worth of minerals such as iron, gold and nickel.
The agency is working with the domestic and international private sector to develop the spacecraft and mission goals.
UAE companies will lead the design of the vehicle that, it is hoped, will land on Justitia by 2034, including space engineering and consultancy firm 971Space and Sadeem Space Solutions.
Justitia is of interest to scientists because of its mysterious appearance. While most asteroids are bluish, this one has a reddish hue, with possible origins from our solar system.
Engineers have been studying the asteroid to help them plan a route.
The observations helped to measure its size, orbit and albedo – how much light is reflected by its surface – with findings to be released at a later date.
Domestic and international universities and space organisations, including Khalifa University, New York University Abu Dhabi, Yahsat and the Italian Space Agency, are joining forces for the mission.
The University of Colorado Boulder is also participating, helping the UAE to develop its Mars mission.
The specs
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- Premier League-standard football pitch
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- 600-seat auditorium
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- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
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- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Results
2.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 1,700m; Winner: AF Mezmar, Adam McLean (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer).
3pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 2,000m; Winner: AF Ajwad, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.
3.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 1,200m; Winner: Gold Silver, Sam Hitchcott, Ibrahim Aseel.
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4.30pm: Gulf Cup Prestige (PA) Dh150,000 1,700m; Winner: AF Momtaz, Saif Al Balushi, Musabah Al Muhairi.
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GAC GS8 Specs
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How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
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MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
What is blockchain?
Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.
The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.
Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.
However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.
Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.
Lexus LX700h specs
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Transmission: 10-speed auto
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Price: From Dh590,000
