The College of Science at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) in cooperation with the UAE Space Agency and the Space Research Centre organized a one day mini-symposium called, ‘Probing the Environment of Mars: the Past, Present and Future of Our Next Door Neighbor in Space’, on Thursday 9th November.

A number of international specialists on Mars projects and representatives of space institutions and other related companies were present. This included Professor Bruce Jakosky from the University Of Colorado; Alfred Worden, astronaut and command module pilot on the Apollo 15 mission; Dr. Luca Montabone of the Space Science Institute in the USA; Ellen Stofan, former NASA Chief Scientist and Dr. Fatma Lootah from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre. 

The seminar discussed the history of Mars exploration and the possibility of life on the planet. The discussion covered Mars’ atmosphere (including the development of an artificial atmosphere), the use quantum computing technologies in future projects, and the many challenges faced by Mars missions. The seminar also included a presentation of the UAE’s Mars Mission detailing the importance of the joint efforts and how such cooperation benefits major space missions and projects.

Professor Ahmed Murad, Dean of the College of Science, explained that, “by organizing this seminar we are able to host prominent space scientists and specialists and can benefit from their expertise and hopefully contribute towards reaching UAEU’s goal of preparing a future generation passionate about the space sciences and willing to explore space as we seek to realize the UAE’s vision in this important area of endeavor.”

“We are intensifying our efforts to make the UAE competitive in Mars exploration in order to promote the status of the UAE’s space sector and make the dream of reaching Mars a reality.”

Mr. Khaled Al Hashmi, the Director of Space Mission Management: UAE Space Agency pointed out that, “the seminar is part of national efforts to develop competency in space science by raising awareness of Mars projects and the UAE’s desire to join the exploration of Mars. We especially want to encourage interest among young people and our students.”

As one of nine countries aiming to explore Mars the UAE has entered into the global race to explore the red planet. The ‘Hope’ Mars probe will be launched in 2020 and should land on Mars in 2021 in order to mark the 50^th anniversary of the foundation of the UAE.

The ‘Hope’ Mars probe project was planned, is managed and carried out by an Emirati Team who are highly skilled and knowledgeable in terms of space exploration. The team is supervised and funded by the UAE Space Agency. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre is working on developing the probe in cooperation with international partners.