The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) is playing a significant role in the development of the UAE’s technological capabilities, according to Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai. The centre is actively inspiring Emirati missions and projects within the space sector, strengthening the UAE’s National Space Programme, and supporting the country’s contributions to global space exploration efforts. Recently, Sheikh Hamdan chaired a meeting of the MBRSC Board of Directors where he was briefed on the centre’s ambitious future programmes and missions.
At the meeting, strategic plans for the development and launch of satellites under the UAE Satellite Programme were reviewed. These plans include the launch of MBZ-SAT, the most advanced satellite in the region, scheduled for later this year, and the development of HCT-SAT 1, an Earth-observation CubeSat, in collaboration with students from the Higher Colleges of Technology. Additionally, updates on projects like the Emirates Airlock and the Rashid Rover 2, the UAE’s latest mission to explore the Moon, were provided to Sheikh Hamdan.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the importance of striving for excellence in the space sector, stating that the UAE’s strategic vision for developing and launching advanced technology and missions aims to inspire future generations to dream big and aim higher. He highlighted that every new project launched enhances national capabilities and ensures that the UAE remains synonymous with innovation and excellence in space sciences. The meeting also saw Sheikh Hamdan being presented with a framed souvenir showcasing flags of the UAE and USA carried to the Moon during the Artemis 1 lunar flyby mission.
After the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan met with UAE astronauts Mohammad AlMulla and Nora AlMatrooshi, congratulating them on their successful graduation from the Nasa Astronaut Candidate Class training programme. The astronauts briefed Sheikh Hamdan on the extensive training they underwent over the course of two years. He was also updated by Astronaut Hazzaa AlMansoori, Astronauts Office Manager, on the UAE Astronaut Programme and its upcoming plans, promising future missions that will further establish the UAE’s prominence in the global space community.
Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, highlighted the UAE’s significant efforts in spearheading space exploration with the support of key leaders like Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The MBRSC continues to drive forward with a clear vision and commitment to innovation and excellence under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan. Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director-General of MBRSC, emphasized the organization’s dedication to innovation and creating a collaborative environment that encourages disruptive thinking and technological breakthroughs to contribute significantly to human knowledge and improve quality of life on Earth.
