UAE- Space studies inspires young Emiratis
Date
10/27/2018 1:54:28 AM
(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) More young Emiratis are being inspired to find a career path in the UAE's space industry after witnessing the progress of the country in the field.
As part of the UAE Astronaut Programme by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre (MBRSC), the country's first two Emirati astronauts are currently training in Russia and one will jet off to the International Space Station (ISS) next year. Also, the first 100 per cent UAE-made satellite, KhalifaSat, is being launched on October 29.
Alia Al Mansoori, an Emirati teen whose science project was sent to the ISS when she was 15 years old, told Khaleej Times that she will be applying for the UAE Astronaut Programme as soon as she turns 18 in July, 2020.
She said: "While I was growing up, there wasn't even a space agency. It was just people with dreams and hopes who wanted to achieve something.
Being able to see something as surreal and the fact that we already have Emirati astronauts is very exciting. It definitely inspired me and all of my friends to realise that there is no goal that is impossible and that we can actually achieve that. We have a country that is supporting this drive for science. I'm excited to see what's coming and excited to see space education grow in the education sector further. The top priority for me is to one day become an astronaut. So, on my 18th birthday, before I even get my driver's licence, I will sign up to become an astronaut."
Mohammed Alabbar, the head of electrical power unit at the MBRSC, told Khaleej Times that he sees more youth and professionals from other industries showing interest in the space sector after the progress the centre and the UAE Space Agency has made in these past few years.
Alabbar was one of the many Emirati engineers who worked long hours to build the KhalifaSat.
"Many people ask us now what it is like working in this profession. We have young people and adults working in different fields enquiring how they can get involved," Alabbar said. "We have made a lot of progress and this is just the beginning."
Helping to spread more awareness of space education across schools is the UAE Space Agency - which is the federal body that looks after space policies, laws and create education opportunities for youngsters in this field.
The agency partnered with the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) and made space a part of the curriculum for Grade 10 in all schools that follow the MoE curriculum.
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