The final phase of the second study of the “Space Simulation” program is completed.

Today, the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center announced the successful completion of the final phase of the second study within the Emirates Space Simulation Programme, within the framework of NASA’s “Hera” human exploration mission simulation research..

The mission crew, consisting of Emirati Obaid Al Suwaidi, along with Kristen Magas, Tiffany Snyder, and Anderson Wilder, succeeded in completing their 45-day mission inside the “Hera” complex at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, USA. After they left the facility on Monday.

The final phase of the study began on November 1, 2024, with the aim of simulating the conditions of long-term space missions to Mars, on planet Earth, which contributes to providing important insights into human adaptation to isolation, restrictions, and remote conditions..

This study was conducted within the Hera complex, which is a unique three-story facility specially designed to enable scientists to study how crew members adapt to isolation and confinement in environments that simulate space conditions. The crew carried out many experiments, including simulating walking on the surface of Mars using virtual reality technology, in addition to other activities such as growing vegetables and farming shrimp. The crew also experienced communication delays with the control center of up to five minutes, simulating the increased time gaps expected during interplanetary missions..

After leaving the facility, the crew will remain at Johnson Space Center for a week to complete post-mission questionnaires, conduct discussion sessions with Hera managers and scientists, and provide baseline data to study crew health, performance, and dynamics under conditions simulating space missions..

Director General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, Salem Humaid Al Marri, said: “The success achieved in the second study within the Emirates Space Simulation Program reflects the UAE’s firm commitment to supporting strategic progress in the fields of space exploration and scientific research. By building pioneering international partnerships, such as our cooperation with the Agency NASA, and promoting innovation through our academic partnerships with Emirati universities, not only contribute to advancing scientific progress at the global level, but also consolidate our nation’s position as a key player in shaping the future of space exploration, and these efforts are consistent with Our ambitious vision to meet the challenges of space missions and consolidate our role as a catalyst for finding innovative solutions in the global space sector“.

For his part, Assistant Director General for Space Operations and Exploration at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, Adnan Al-Rayes, said: “Completing this study is an essential step in enhancing our understanding of the physiological, psychological and functional challenges associated with long-duration space missions. Through our participation in this study, we are working to develop Methodologies to improve crew performance, reduce risks, and achieve optimal results for interplanetary exploration missions. Obaid Al Suwaidi’s role highlights the UAE’s commitment to contributing valuable data and expertise to serve the community Global space missions, ensuring that future missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond are based on careful scientific preparations“.

The second study within the Emirates Space Simulation Program included 18 experiments related to human health that were conducted during the study, and focused on physiological, behavioral and psychological responses within isolated and restricted environments..

The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center led six experiments out of 18 in cooperation with Emirati universities, including the United Arab Emirates University, the Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and the American University of Sharjah. These experiments reflect the UAE’s commitment to enhancing scientific innovation and knowledge in preparation for future long-term missions.

Commenting on his participation, Obaid Al Suwaidi, a member of the simulation crew, said: “This study was a unique experience that addressed the challenges associated with long-duration space missions, inside the Hera facility at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. I was honored to represent the UAE in this international project, and to contribute to research that paves the way for future space exploration missions.“.

The second study within the Emirates Space Simulation Program is part of the Emirates Space Simulation Studies Programme, which consists of four phases and aims to enhance understanding of the human factors associated with space missions. The final stage culminated in a year-long effort, during which the UAE succeeded in playing a leadership role in supporting global space research. The findings will help shape the future of interplanetary space exploration and inspire a new generation to push the limits of human capabilities.