A new frontier: UAE and Philippines could team up in space sector

UAE Space Agency and Philippines envoy hold talks on collaboration

The rocket carrying the UAE's Hope probe blasts off from Japan in 2020. Now the UAE and the Philippines are looking at ways to team up in space exploration. Photo: AFP

The UAE and the Philippines are exploring collaboration in the space sector, state news agency Wam reported.

Officials from the UAE Space Agency met the Philippines' ambassador to the UAE, Hjayceelyn Quintana, along with a delegation from the country's space authority on Sunday to consider areas of co-operation.

Both nations have ambitious national road maps for space exploration.

Developing a space sector can help to create highly skilled local talent, build industries and grow a knowledge-based economy.

Ibrahim Al Qasim, space science adviser at the UAE Space Agency, with Hjayceelyn Quintana, Philippines ambassador to the UAE. Photo: Wam

"Space sector collaborations are essential for both the UAE and the Philippines," said Ibrahim Al Qasim, space science adviser at the UAE Space Agency.

"As our two countries accelerate the growth and increase investments into this exciting yet nascent industry, there will be many opportunities to collaborate and share knowledge and ideas as we work together to create new avenues for space-based innovation."

Ms Quintana said teaming up in the flourishing space sector would be an appropriate way to mark the 47-year bilateral relationship between the countries.

"What better way to commemorate the 47th anniversary of our important diplomatic relations than by bringing together our space agencies to meet, share knowledge and expertise and discover what we can achieve together," said Ms Quintana.

An artist's impression of the UAE's lunar rover called Rashid.

Dr Hamad Al Marzooqi, project manager of the Emirates Lunar Mission at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre. Chris Whiteoak / The National

An artist's impression of iSpace's Hakuto-Reboot lunar lander. It will carry UAE's Rashid rover to the surface of the Moon in 2022.

The UAE aims to land the Rashid rover on the near side of the Moon due to its smoother surface.

The far side of the Moon remains largely unexplored, but Nasa is turning its focus back to the lunar surface.

The HAKUTO-R lander, which will deliver the UAE's Rashid rover to the lunar surface in 2022, is now in final stages of assembly.

The ispace team completed the assembly of the lander's structure thermal model in April. Courtesy: ispace

The final assembly of the lander is being carried out in co-operation with the Ariane Group GmbH at the Ariane Group facility in Lampoldshausen, Germany. Courtesy: ispace

Using a lander and rocket that is already available helps Emirati engineers and scientists get quicker and easier access to space. Courtesy: ispace

The initial concept design of the Rashid rover. Courtesy: MBRSC

Rashid rover's thermal imager will analyse the Moon's properties through thermal energy. Courtesy: MBRSC

The Langmuir probes on the rover will analyse the lunar surface charge and electric fields. Courtesy: MBRSC

One of the rover's two high-resolution optical imagers that will take photos of the Moon. Courtesy: MBRSC

"I consider it a distinct honour to be a part of this historic inaugural meeting to chart a new frontier in our strategic partnership, which, like space, is of limitless possibilities."

It comes as the UAE's space programme is advancing. The Arab world’s first lunar rover, Rashid, is set to land on the Moon in 2022.

The lunar project follows the UAE's ambitious Hope mission, in which the Emirates became the first Arab country to send a probe to Mars.

Hope started orbiting Mars in February and is conducting crucial experiments on the Red Planet.

The UAE also has 12 satellites in orbit, with another six in development.

The Philippines is also building a space programme. Authorities unified the country's space agency in 2019 and it has several satellites in orbit.