UAE Astronaut Programme Invites Proposals for Research Projects on the International Space Station

Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), today announced that it is inviting applications from the UAE’s research entities to propose scientific or technology-driven projects in the fields of Human Health or Earth & Space Science to be conducted by astronauts on the International Space Station.

The objective of the initiative is to provide research entities in the UAE the opportunity to further humanity’s knowledge and support future space missions by conducting research that tackles challenges faced in the region that would eventually prepare for human exploration of the solar system beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO). 

“We are excited to open the doors of our growing space sector to the scientific community in the UAE and look forward to receiving proposals that will extend humankind’s reach into space. This is an amazing opportunity for the scientific community to contribute to space research while gaining invaluable skills that will serve them well through the years,” said H.E. Yousuf Hamad AlShaibani, Director General, MBRSC.

Earth & Space Science projects on the ISS mainly focus on testing technologies and materials that will be vital for long-duration exploration missions, or collecting Earth & space science related data from an altitude of ~400 km to provide comprehensive information when compared with data from Earth satellites or ground-based observatories. Whereas, human health research done on the space station focuses on improving astronaut health and performance, development of countermeasures, as well as the development and validation of new technologies to meet the needs of future exploration missions, and to enable safe and productive human space exploration. 

“We are proud to invite the brightest minds of the UAE to partake in the nation’s space exploration journey. The innovative and future-focused programme will create a new paradigm in building capabilities for the UAE in space science and technology, and will be a source of inspiration for future generation of scientists,” said Salem AlMarri, Head of the UAE Astronaut Programme, MBRSC.

The invitation for proposals is open only to research entities in the UAE. Interested researchers may contact science@mbrsc.ae, latest by April 9, 2020, for more information on the submission process.

The UAE Astronaut Programme is one of the projects managed by the UAE's National Space Programme and funded by the ICT Fund of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA).