The Board of Trustees of the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) held its second meeting for the first half of 2018 at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) Campus. At the meeting, the board reviewed the outcomes of signing Memorandums of Understanding, conducting scientific research, offering academic programs and holding awareness activities in this period. It also explored ways of collaboration between the center and its industry strategic partners form UAE and further afield.

Commenting on the center’s future plane, Dr. (Eng.) Mohamed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of UAE Space Agency, explained, “The center’s efforts in the coming year will be directed to promoting further research in line with the directives of UAE wise leadership to explore the space, develop national space capabilities and support current scientific research to achieve their goals”.

He asserted that the center is replete with capabilities and infrastructure to provide the society with advanced technologies through benefiting from the UAEU high-quality facilities and the center’s research specialized cadre, enabling it to provide scientific counselling for space research.

Professor Mohamed Albaili, UAEU Vice Chancellor, pointed out that UAEU is always keen on supporting innovations and developing projects in the field of space. The university works in line with the UAE leadership’s interest to develop the UAE space sector according to the polices and strategies set in this regard through collaborating with UAE’s respective leading institutions, supporting research capabilities and preparing a generation who can lead space in the future.

The board reviewed the results of the graduation projects funded by the center and related to the Emirates Mars Mission 2020 as well as the activities, awareness campaigns and lectures on space science and technology. They also discussed the strategic plan of 2018 and future projects.

The National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) was established by the UAE Space Agency, UAEU and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority represented by the ICT Fund. The Center, the first of its kind in the Middle East, acts as an incubator for space research and innovation, including satellite communications, remote sensing, and others related to the outer atmosphere and space technology to support the UAE’s strategic plans for space science and technology.

Attending the meeting were H.E. Dr. (Eng.) Mohammed Nasser Al-Ahbabi, Director General of UAE Space Agency, Professor Mohamed Albaili, UAEU Vice Chancellor, Eng. Omar Mohammed Al-Mahmoud, CEO of ICT Fund, Ismail Abdulla CEO of Strata, and Ali Al Hashemi, General Manager of YahService.