The UAE continues to make remarkable contributions to space exploration.
Relying on the efforts and dedication of its skilled national workforce.
And its ambitious youth who believe that nothing is impossible.
UAE Celebrates the First Human Journey into Space
Today, the UAE joins the world in celebrating the anniversary of the first human journey into space.
It has already achieved a historic milestone this year.
By the successful launch of six satellites into space during the first quarter of 2025.
The list of satellites launched by the UAE into Space includes:
- “Thuraya 4,”: Placed into orbit on January 4.
- “Mohammed bin Zayed Sat,” “Al Ain Sat-1,” “HCT-SAT 1”: Launched on January 14.
- As well as the second phase of the Foresight satellite constellation.
- “Etihad Sat” launched by MBRSC in March.
This year’s occasion comes as the UAE’s space exploration journey has become one of the most notable success stories in the Arab world and the region.
Thanks to its extraordinary achievements, pioneering projects, and the development of a new generation of astronauts and national technical and administrative teams capable of sustaining leadership in the sector.
Airlock Module
In February, a cooperation agreement was signed between MBRSC and Thales Alenia Space, its strategic partner in the lunar space station project, to develop the station’s “Airlock Module.”
The UAE marked another major milestone in its strategy, through the development of Airlock Module.
Establishing a globally impactful and active presence in all areas of space science and technology.
The UAE Contributes to the Development of the Lunar Space Station
In January 2024, the UAE announced its participation in the development of the lunar space station.
Accordingly, it joined the US, Japan, Canada, and the European Union.
The UAE also announced that it will send the first Emirati and Arab astronaut to lunar orbit.
Exploring the Asteroid Belt
Another key achievement came from the UAE’s mission to explore the asteroid belt.
This mission successfully completed its Critical Design Review (CDR) between February 24 and 26, 2025.
With participation from leading Emirati and international experts.
This paves the way for the assembly, integration, and testing phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Explorer.
Emirati Citizens to Explore Space
In March, MBRSC opened registration for Emirati citizens to take part in future space simulation studies.<br /&amp;gt;As part of the UAE Space Simulation Program.
The center is seeking healthy Emirati volunteers aged 30 to 55.
They must degrees in fields like engineering, technology, or healthcare, and who are proficient in English.
These studies aim to simulate space environments on Earth.
Analyzing the effects of isolation on astronauts’ health and group dynamics.
They are essential for preparation for long-duration space missions.
Playing a critical role in developing strategies for future missions to the Moon and Mars.
By simulating space environments in specialized facilities, researchers can evaluate human adaptability.
They can also create preventive measures against potential risks, and improve operational strategies for space missions.
The UAE’s participation in the Samarkand International Climate Forum, titled “Central Asia,” held on April 4 and 5 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, underscored its unwavering commitment to supporting the green transformation in Central Asian countries. pic.twitter.com/wOjjqHXaPj
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) April 10, 2025
Hope Probe
Meanwhile, the UAE Mars Mission “Hope Probe” recently captured images of valleys, mountains, and misty craters on the Red Planet. Further enriching the understanding of Mars’ weather patterns and atmospheric layers.
Since entering Mars’ orbit on February 9, 2021, Hope Probe has provided 12 data packages on the planet’s atmosphere, totaling 5.4 terabytes.
This data is freely accessible and shared with over 200 scientific and research institutions worldwide through the mission’s data platform.
It’s worth noting that the first recorded human spaceflight was by Soviet astronaut Yuri Gagarin on April 12, 1961.
Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to orbit Earth on June 16, 1963.
While Neil Armstrong became the first human to walk on the Moon on July 20, 1969.
