UAE’s lunar rover will use artificial intelligence to explore the Moon

An advanced artificial intelligence flight computer will help the UAE's lunar rover explore the surface of the Moon.

The navigation computer is being developed by Canadian space firm Mission Control Space Services.

It will recognise geological features as the Emirati rover, Rashid, drives around the unstable terrain of the lunar surface.

The computer will be installed on a Japanese lander that will take Rashid to the Moon next year, from where it will receive data from the rover. It will also send information back to Earth to be studied by scientists at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.

“With the support of the Canadian Space Agency, Canadian scientists and engineers will be able to participate in near-term missions to the lunar surface,” said Ewan Reid, president and chief executive of Mission Control.

Hind Bin Jarsh AlFalasi, 24, is the Emirati woman who has designed the logo for UAE's lunar mission. Reem Mohammed/The National

The Emirates Lunar Mission logo as revealed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai. It features the signature of Sheikh Rashid, the late ruler of Dubai. Courtesy: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Twitter

The logo will be featured on the Rashid Rover, which is slated for launch in 2022. Courtesy: MBRSC

Ms AlFalasi wanted to personalise the logo and show the mission's importance, so she added Sheikh Rashid's signature and inscribed it on top of the Moon. Reem Mohammed/The National

Only three countries have been able to land missions on the Moon so far. Courtesy: MBRSC

China is attempting another lunar mission. Its Chang'e 5 spacecraft has entered lunar orbit and aims to bring back rock and soil samples. UAE's lunar mission also aims to study lunar soil, as well as dust. Here, a Long March-5 rocket carrying the Chinese spacecraft lifts off on November 24. AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein

Ms Al Falasi's career as a graphic designer has taken off. She will also be helping design the logo for the MBZ-Sat satellite, UAE's first fully in-house built spacecraft. Reem Mohammed/The National

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre is carrying out the Emirates Lunar Mission. Reem Mohammed/The National

Rashid will explore the near side of the Moon, which offers a smoother surface with fewer craters, but the terrain is still unpredictable.

The four-wheeled rover can climb over an obstacle at a maximum height of 10 centimetres and descend a 20-degree slope.

But some basins on the near side of the moon are so steep that it would be impossible for the rover to climb out, were it to fall into one.

The team at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre has shortlisted unexplored landing locations. The final decision will be based on an area that offers the most scientific value and security for the Arab world's first lunar rover.

The navigation computer by Mission Control will include an AI application that will use deep-learning algorithms to recognise geological features in images captured by the rover.

“This research will explore techniques for more advanced rover navigation,” said Dr Melissa Battler, Mission Control’s chief science officer.

“By demonstrating this new technology on the moon, we will not only unlock potential autonomous decision-making capabilities for future rovers, but better support planetary-science missions going forward.”

The company secured a $3.04 million fund from the Canadian Space Agency's Lunar Exploration Accelerator Programme, part of which will be used to develop the computer.

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Japanese firm iSpace is building the Hakuto-Reboot lander that will deliver the rover to the Moon. Both will take off on board a Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida late next year.
The Emirates Lunar Mission will also be provided with wired communication and power during the cruise phase and wireless communication on the lunar surface by iSpace.

Rashid will study the properties of lunar soil, the geology of the moon, dust movement and its photoelectron sheath for one lunar day – about two weeks.

It will send back more than 1,000 images of the lunar surface.

Dr Hamad Al Marzooqi, project manager of the Emirates Lunar Mission, said it would be the first study of the photoelectron sheath.

"It is a phenomenon that is created on the lunar surface due to the continuous bombardment of solar wind and cosmic rays," he said.

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How being social media savvy can improve your well being

Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.

As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.

Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.

Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.

Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.

However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.

“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.

People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.

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Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.

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