'The National' visited mission control at Dubai's Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre to learn how engineers are preparing for Hope probe's Mars orbit insertion, set for February 9. All photos by Chris Whiteoak / The National
'The National' visited mission control at Dubai's Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre to learn how engineers are preparing for Hope probe's Mars orbit insertion, set for February 9. All photos by Chris Whiteoak / The National
Omar Abdelrahman Hussain, mission design and navigation lead, said mission team will mostly be observers on the day. There is an 11-minute communication delay because of the distance between the two planets, so live commands will not be sent
Omar Abdelrahman Hussain, mission design and navigation lead, said mission team will mostly be observers on the day. There is an 11-minute communication delay because of the distance between the two planets, so live commands will not be sent
The Hope probe is close to completing a distance of 493.5 million kilometres. It launched on July 20, 2020 aboard a Japanese rocket and will study the upper and lower atmosphere of the Red Planet. Emirates Mars Mission
The Hope probe is close to completing a distance of 493.5 million kilometres. It launched on July 20, 2020 aboard a Japanese rocket and will study the upper and lower atmosphere of the Red Planet. Emirates Mars Mission
Pre-programmed manoeuvers have been set into the spacecraft so it can perform an automated entry into orbit
Pre-programmed manoeuvers have been set into the spacecraft so it can perform an automated entry into orbit
The programming includes firing the probe's six thrusters for 28 minutes to slow it down from about 100,000 kph to 18,000 kph to get captured into Mars' orbit
The programming includes firing the probe's six thrusters for 28 minutes to slow it down from about 100,000 kph to 18,000 kph to get captured into Mars' orbit
There will also be a brief period when communication is lost when the spacecraft travels behind Mars, blocking the signal. Engineers will do a full evaluation of how orbit entry went once contact is restored
There will also be a brief period when communication is lost when the spacecraft travels behind Mars, blocking the signal. Engineers will do a full evaluation of how orbit entry went once contact is restored
Khalid Mohammad Badri, instrument science engineer, said the scientific instruments aboard the spacecraft will remain safe during orbit entry and will be tested after completion of this critical stage
Khalid Mohammad Badri, instrument science engineer, said the scientific instruments aboard the spacecraft will remain safe during orbit entry and will be tested after completion of this critical stage
All communication with the probe has been made possible through Nasa's Deep Space Network. Their massive ground radio arrays in California, Spain and Australia are the first to send and receive telemetry from the spacecraft. The antenna in Madrid will be the first to know how orbit entry went
All communication with the probe has been made possible through Nasa's Deep Space Network. Their massive ground radio arrays in California, Spain and Australia are the first to send and receive telemetry from the spacecraft. The antenna in Madrid will be the first to know how orbit entry went
Mahmood Abdulaziz AlNasser, mission operations control development lead, said the team remains confident the orbit entry will go as planned. This stage is equally challenging as the rocket launch stage
Mahmood Abdulaziz AlNasser, mission operations control development lead, said the team remains confident the orbit entry will go as planned. This stage is equally challenging as the rocket launch stage
The probe will spend 40 hours in the capture orbit and then be transferred into the science orbit, where it will spend two years gathering data on the planet's dynamic weather conditions. It is the first time a spacecraft will be positioned so high above the Red Planet, allowing it to capture different weather patterns throughout a single day. Nasa
The probe will spend 40 hours in the capture orbit and then be transferred into the science orbit, where it will spend two years gathering data on the planet's dynamic weather conditions. It is the first time a spacecraft will be positioned so high above the Red Planet, allowing it to capture different weather patterns throughout a single day. Nasa
If orbit entry is successful, the UAE will become the fifth nation worlwide to reach Mars
If orbit entry is successful, the UAE will become the fifth nation worlwide to reach Mars

Science

Young Arabs chosen for UAE’s Space Pioneers Programme

Ten teenagers have been selected as part of the programme's first cycle

Sarwat Nasir
Sarwat Nasir
UAE

February 07, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Ten young Arabs have been chosen to take part in the UAE's Space Pioneers Programme.

Through the initiative, the winners will be offered scholarships in space-related studies or an opportunity to build their knowledge through training.

More than 37,000 applications were submitted when the competition was announced last summer.

They included applications from Iraq, Algeria, Morocco, the UAE, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.

Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology and chairwoman of UAE Space Agency, said: “The Arab Space Pioneers Programme identifies the most competent Arab scientific talent, and works with them to translate their passion for space sciences into reality, develop their ideas through providing specialised training, and thereby, contribute to strengthening the Arab space sector.”

The programme was designed to empower Arab pupils who are interested in studying space sciences and to encourage them to pursue a science, technology, engineering and maths focused education.

Three pupils will receive scholarships in space science and technology studies. They are Maria Muhammad from the Comoros Islands, Muhammad Jawad from Syria, and Asmaa Al Mismari from Saudi Arabia.

They can work towards a master's or doctoral degree from UAE University and receive training at space research and development centres and laboratories.

Seven others, who have been categorised as talented pupils, will receive guidance as they take on careers in space fields.

Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi, director-general of UAE Space Agency, said the programme will offer young people intensive training.

“The programme nurtures a team of aspiring and competent young people, meticulously selected from across the UAE and the wider Arab region, to reinforce their skills and contribute to the UAE’s efforts to shape a space ecosystem in the country,” he said.

The programme is split into three categories. The Student Track offers scholarships and training in UAE labs and universities, and the Talent Track helps youth learn more about space.

Scientists, specialists and professionals in space-related fields fall into the Expert Track. They are chosen to help support the designing and developing satellites, processing space data and assist in other projects.

UAE landmarks light up for UAE's mission to Mars - in pictures 

Dubai's Museum of Future lit up in red in support of Hope probe's arrival to Mars on February 9. The National
Dubai's Museum of Future lit up in red in support of Hope probe's arrival to Mars on February 9. The National
The Dubai Frame also lit up in red. Dubai Municipality
The Dubai Frame also lit up in red. Dubai Municipality
A billboard on Al Khail Road promoting Hope probe's upcoming attempt of entering the Martian orbit. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A billboard on Al Khail Road promoting Hope probe's upcoming attempt of entering the Martian orbit. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Tolerance Bridge at Dubai Water Canal glowing in the colour red. The National
Tolerance Bridge at Dubai Water Canal glowing in the colour red. The National
Dubai Water Canal lights up in red. The National
Dubai Water Canal lights up in red. The National
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Occupation: Specialised chief medical laboratory technologist

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