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Source: NASA
Published on 10/17/2024

UAE Space Sector Empowers Local Talent for Innovation

Supreme Space Council Aims to Propel National Ambitions and Funding for Future Missions

At the recent International Astronautical Congress in Milan, the UAE unveiled its Space Pavilion showcasing a unified front of government entities, private companies and academic institutions. This initiative led by Ibrahim Al Qasim of the UAE Space Agency aims to consolidate the nation's burgeoning space sector and attract crucial funding while nurturing local talent for future missions.

Historically, UAE organizations have participated in the congress with individual booths. This year’s pavilion highlights the collaborative ecosystem that has developed in the UAE, facilitating partnerships across various sectors.

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Al Qasim noted that this unification aligns with the goals of the newly established Supreme Space Council, chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed. The council which includes key ministers is tasked with approving legislation and strategies for the space sector, potentially boosting funding for new projects.

Major projects like the UAE Astronaut Programme and the lunar Gateway airlock are spearheaded by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). Since its inception in 2006, MBRSC has been instrumental in the UAE's space achievements including launching Earth-observation satellites and securing astronaut flights to the International Space Station.

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The recent consolidation efforts aim to enhance operational efficiency and foster a vibrant space economy with startups under the Space Economic Zone presenting innovative projects at the pavilion. While boosting the UAE's soft power is a positive outcome, Al Qasim emphasized that the primary goal remains diversifying the economy and developing a robust science and technology ecosystem.