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9 Emirati students were selected to participate in the Space Exploration Research Experience Program

Abu Dhabi, October 20 / WAM / The UAE Space Agency selected 9 Emirati students out of 141 applicants from more than 12 universities, to participate over a period of two months in the Space Exploration Research Experiment Programme, affiliated with the Emirates mission to explore the asteroid belt, as part of the agency’s strategy to stimulate interest in the fields of space science and technology.

The program provides a research opportunity for undergraduate students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, to enhance their skills in this vital field, in addition to active participation in the mission.

Mohsen Al Awadhi, Director of the Emirates Mission to Explore the Asteroid Belt, said that the program represents a pioneering step within the Emirates Space Agency’s efforts to develop the capabilities of national cadres in space science and technology, as it gives bachelor’s students the opportunity to work on specialized research projects within an international team of experts and mentors.

He added that the program is distinguished by its diversity of research topics, which include space data analysis, thermophysical modeling, software development for the asteroid belt exploration mission, in addition to advanced simulation of asteroid landing missions, which gives students a pioneering scientific and practical experience that enhances their readiness to continue the process of innovation and excellence in the space sector.

Applications for the program witnessed a wide demand from Emirati students, as the total number of applicants reached 141 students from more than 12 universities since registration opened, and female students constituted 77% of the total applicants, compared to 23% of male students.

The program was keen to attract students from various levels of university study, to provide them with a unique opportunity to participate in an advanced research experience in space exploration.

Khalifa University topped the registration applications with 54 applications, followed by the United Arab Emirates University with 23 applications, then the Higher Colleges of Technology with 18 applications, while the rest of the applications were distributed among the Emirates Aviation University, the American University of Sharjah, the University of Sharjah, international universities, and other universities.

The Space Exploration Research Experience Program is distinguished by the diversity of training sites between several national and international research centers, including the Institute of Astrophysics and Astronomy in Rome, Italy, the Laboratory of Atmospheric and Space Physics in Boulder, Colorado, USA, and the Institute of Technological Innovation in Abu Dhabi.

Participants will work to apply their research in multiple environments that enhance their skills and expand their scientific horizons.

The program provides participants with an integrated practical experience that enables them to deal with modern and advanced technologies, in addition to enhancing their critical thinking and innovation skills.

It also reflects the UAE’s keenness to provide a stimulating educational and research environment, where students interact with local and international experts, which enhances the exchange of knowledge and experiences.

It is noteworthy that the Emirates Space Agency and the National Space Academy are constantly working to launch various initiatives, training programs and workshops, aiming to build national capabilities and enhance skills, through educational paths that combine scientific research and practical application, in a way that ensures the sustainability and development of the national space sector.

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