A new space district will soon open in Al Ain and its first major building will house a satellite assembly, integration and testing facility.
The construction of the facility, located at the National Space Science and Technology Centre (NSSTC) in UAE University, is 90 per cent completed and is expected to go online in October.
It will offer engineers, students and researchers the proper environment and resources to design, develop and test satellites of up to 250 kilograms.
The National took an exclusive tour of NSSTC to learn more about the satellite facility and other projects planned for the space district.
More resources for satellite development
The Satellite Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) facility, launched in partnership with Airbus and Tawazun Economic Council, will give engineers the tools needed to build small to medium-sized satellites.
The building will have a 320-square-metre clean room, so assembly can take place in a satellite-friendly environment to protect the spacecraft’s sensitive components.
Two thermal vacuum chambers, a large and a small one, will enable students to test completed satellites and their subsystems in a simulated space environment. The chambers mimic the temperatures and vacuum in space.
A room with a vibration system will offer vibration simulations that satellites encounter during a launch. This test is essential to ensure a satellite is strong enough to withstand rocket launch conditions.
To perform radio frequency and antenna measurements, as well as electromagnetic compatibility tests, the facility has an anechoic chamber. It is an electromagnetic radiation-free environment.
Communicating and tracking satellites will be possible through a ground control room. It will be equipped with a hardware suite and command, control, data and diagnostic software. These will support real-time telemetry monitoring, spacecraft commanding capabilities and telemetry storage of spacecraft operations.
Similar rooms, but in a different size scale, are available at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai, which were used to test the KhalifaSat satellite and Mars Hope probe, and track them.
First pan-Arab satellite to be built here
There are three satellites that are going to be built here soon after the facility opens its doors.
The 813 satellite will measure pollution, dust levels and greenhouse gas emissions across the region.
Led by the UAE Space Agency, the project is being carried out by the Arab Space Co-operation Group, which consists of 14 Arab countries.
It is the first time a pan-Arab partnership is taking place in a space-related project.
Two navigation satellites will also be designed, developed and tested at the space centre.
Navigation satellites help make navigation systems in cars and smartphones possible, and play a major role in the aviation and humanitarian sector.
Students to be trained by industry experts
Airline and aerospace manufacturer Airbus will manage the procurement, installation and operational qualification required for the equipment.
Dr Khaled Al Hashmi, director of NSSTC, said Airbus will also be training Emirati students and engineers.
“As part of our partnership, there is a knowledge transfer,” he said.
“We will learn how to set up the machinery, how to do the tests and we will adopt best practices from them – all of that will be very beneficial.”
Twelve Emiratis, who will be the core team of the space centre, will be trained by Airbus.
The new facility will help create 32 new jobs and 22 of them will be for UAE citizens.
The varsity will soon launch a Master’s programme in Space Science and students will get practical training through the new space district.
“You need an ecosystem within the UAE for students as such and this centre will compliment the vision of UAE Space Agency’s strategy and national objective, as it will enable us to do new research and development,” said Dr Al Hashmi
Through the space district, students and scientists will carry out six research projects across different areas related to space science. These include modelling and observation of Mars dust storms, Mars atmospheric data assimilation and studying Earth and Mars’ atmosphere, among others.
A ground-based radio array observatory
Aside from the satellite facility, ground-based radio-arrays will be built in the Space District.
Called the UAEU Radio Astronomy Pathway Project, the 256-element observatory will enable students to carry out projects in radio astronomy, space physics, solar physics and space situational awareness.
It can help with space surveillance and tracking and monitoring resident space objects for UAE’s space traffic management.
The ground radio antennas can also be used for high-impact research as part of a global network of observatories for international experiments, as well as be used as an individual source.
Scientists combine data from ground-based radio arrays in different parts of the world for new discoveries and in-depth studies of black holes and other phenomenon in the universe.
Honeymoonish
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The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
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Brief scores:
Toss: South Africa, chose to field
Pakistan: 177 & 294
South Africa: 431 & 43-1
Man of the Match: Faf du Plessis (South Africa)
Series: South Africa lead three-match series 2-0
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group F
Manchester City v Hoffenheim, midnight (Wednesday, UAE)
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Film: In Syria
Dir: Philippe Van Leeuw
Starring: Hiam Abbass, Diamand Bo Abboud, Mohsen Abbas and Juliette Navis
Verdict: Four stars
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
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Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Mamo Year it started: 2019 Founders: Imad Gharazeddine, Asim Janjua Based: Dubai, UAE Number of employees: 28 Sector: Financial services Investment: $9.5m Funding stage: Pre-Series A Investors: Global Ventures, GFC, 4DX Ventures, AlRajhi Partners, Olive Tree Capital, and prominent Silicon Valley investors. Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Recent winners
2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)
2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)
2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)
2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)
2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)
2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)
2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)
2011 Maria Farah (Canada)
2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)
2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)
2014 Lia Saad (UAE)
2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)
2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)
2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)
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Bugatti Chiron Super Sport - the specs:
Engine: 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16
Transmission: 7-speed DSG auto
Power: 1,600hp
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0-100kph in 2.4seconds
0-200kph in 5.8 seconds
0-300kph in 12.1 seconds
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Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport - the specs:
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Power: 1,500hp
Torque: 1,600Nm
0-100kph in 2.3 seconds
0-200kph in 5.5 seconds
0-300kph in 11.8 seconds
Top speed: 350kph
Price: Dh13,600,000
States of Passion by Nihad Sirees,
Pushkin Press
UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
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4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
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The biog
Fast facts on Neil Armstrong’s personal life:
- Armstrong was born on August 5, 1930, in Wapakoneta, Ohio
- He earned his private pilot’s license when he was 16 – he could fly before he could drive
- There was tragedy in his married life: Neil and Janet Armstrong’s daughter Karen died at the age of two in 1962 after suffering a brain tumour. She was the couple’s only daughter. Their two sons, Rick and Mark, consulted on the film
- After Armstrong departed Nasa, he bought a farm in the town of Lebanon, Ohio, in 1971 – its airstrip allowed him to tap back into his love of flying
- In 1994, Janet divorced Neil after 38 years of marriage. Two years earlier, Neil met Carol Knight, who became his second wife in 1994
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FIXTURES
Nov 04-05: v Western Australia XI, Perth
Nov 08-11: v Cricket Australia XI, Adelaide
Nov 15-18 v Cricket Australia XI, Townsville (d/n)
Nov 23-27: 1ST TEST v AUSTRALIA, Brisbane
Dec 02-06: 2ND TEST v AUSTRALIA, Adelaide (d/n)
Dec 09-10: v Cricket Australia XI, Perth
Dec 14-18: 3RD TEST v AUSTRALIA, Perth
Dec 26-30 4TH TEST v AUSTRALIA, Melbourne
Jan 04-08: 5TH TEST v AUSTRALIA, Sydney
Note: d/n = day/night
Russia's Muslim Heartlands
Dominic Rubin, Oxford
