DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, recently met with the team from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) at the Union House in Dubai for the MBZ-SAT launch preparations. The gathering included His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.
During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the UAE’s significant progress in space science and technology under the leadership of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He praised the ambitious vision that has positioned the UAE as a major player in space exploration, driven by the growing capabilities of Emirati talent.
Sheikh Mohammed commended the efforts of MBRSC’s team, including senior officials like Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and astronauts Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammad Al Mulla. He emphasized the importance of advancing in space technology and other fields to address global challenges and enhance human life.
The meeting featured updates on MBZ-SAT, the region’s most advanced satellite developed entirely by Emirati experts. The team briefed Sheikh Mohammed on the ongoing environmental testing phase critical for ensuring the satellite’s durability in space. Once testing is complete, final preparations for the October 2024 launch on a SpaceX rocket will begin.
Also read: Two 80 year old journalists tested ChatGPT, then sued OpenAI and Microsoft
Sheikh Mohammed also received updates on the UAE Astronaut Programme, aimed at inspiring future space explorers. Astronauts Nora Al Matrooshi and Mohammad Al Mulla shared their preparations for upcoming missions after completing rigorous training at NASA.
Attending officials included Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai. Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori expressed gratitude for the leadership’s support, enabling MBRSC to achieve milestones in space technology.
Sheikh Mohammed’s vision continues to drive the UAE’s leadership in space exploration, inspiring the nation to pursue excellence in scientific exploration and space technology through initiatives like the UAE Astronaut Programme.
