The UAE Space Agency has launched a survey to measure how the space sector has contributed to the national economy.
As the government announces more space projects and the number of private space companies increases in the UAE, the agency wants to carry out an extensive study of the sector.
The survey will focus on the number of companies working in the sector, foreign investment and the total spending on space projects.
It will also explore efforts to invest in research and development and space exploration, as well as the number of people employed in the sector.
Support for start-ups
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Future Technology and chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, announced the survey on Monday.
“The economic survey project for the space sector in the UAE is an important tool that helps in enhancing the decision-making process, drawing strategic policies, contributing to economic indicators, in addition to preparing national space plans and programmes,” she said.
Ms Al Amiri said the results would also support the work of start-ups and small and medium-size companies, and boost research projects.
“It will increase the UAE's investment attractiveness in space projects and much more,” she said.
Figures from 2019 show the UAE’s investments in space exceeded Dh22 billion ($5.99bn), with 57 space-related establishments operating in the country helping create 1,500 jobs.
Since the launch of the UAE’s Mars mission in 2020, more private companies have set up in the Emirates.
The Dh735 million mission involved the Hope spacecraft, which has been orbiting the Red Planet since February 9, 2021.
As the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre and UAE Space Agency launch more projects, private companies try to win government contracts that will help them participate in missions.
The space centre is overseeing the development of MBZ-Sat, an imaging satellite, but private companies have mostly been responsible for building it.
The private sector will also be involved in the UAE’s asteroid belt mission, overseen by the space agency.
-
HOPE MISSION MILESTONES - IN PICTURES: On July 16, 2014, the UAE announced its Mars mission would reach the planet in 2021, in time for the country's Golden Jubilee. Photo: Nasa -
On May 8, 2015, during a glittering ceremony at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi, the name of the spacecraft and timeline of the mission is unveiled by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. Photo: Emirates Mars Mission -
On November 12, 2017, at the Dubai Airshow, a prototype of the Mars spacecraft goes on display. Photo: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre -
On January 5, 2020, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, right, and Sheikh Mohamed sign the final piece of the Hope Probe before it is shipped to Japan for the launch. Photo: Wam -
On January 21, 2020, a launch window between July 14 and August 3, 2020, is announced. The spacecraft would lift off from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Centre, aboard the HII-A rocket. On May 19, it is announced the first launch attempt would be made on July 15, 2020. Photo: Dubai Media Office -
On April 5, 2020, Emirati engineers are sent, months in advance, to the launch site due to Covid-19. Some team members stay behind because only a limited number of people are allowed on site. Photo: Emirates Mars Mission -
On April 25, 2020, the space orbiter arrives on Tanegashima island, 1,000 kilometres south of Tokyo. Photo: Emirates Mars Mission -
The vehicle travelled in a special container to avoid damage and flew on one of the world's largest cargo planes. Photo: Emirates Mars Mission -
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology and chairperson of the UAE Space Agency, and mission director Omran Sharaf, third left, discuss with engineers shipping the Hope probe to Japan. Photo: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre -
The Hope probe arrives in Tanegashima island for a launch attempt on July 15, 2020. Courtesy: Yoshiaki Sakita -
Heavy rainfall and strong winds delay the mission twice, on July 15 and July 17. Courtesy: Shoma Watanbe -
On July 20, 2020, the Hope probe lifts off and begins its 493-million-kilometre journey to Mars. AFP -
Sarah Al Amiri celebrates a successful take-off with launch provider Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. AFP -
On July 22, 2020, the probe captures an image of Mars two days after it began its journey to the Red Planet. Sheikh Mohammed shared this image on Twitter. Photo: Sheikh Mohammed Twitter -
On February 9, 2021, Sarah Al Amiri hosted an event at Dubai's Burj Park and gave live updates on the mission. Reuters -
On February 9, 2021, mission director Omran Sharaf announces the Hope probe has successfully entered Mars orbit. Photo: Wam -
Joyous scenes at the event in Burj Park. Christopher Pike / Reuters -
Moments after the announcement, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid thank staff at mission control in Dubai. Photo: Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
On February 14, 2021, the spacecraft sends its first global image of the Red Planet. Photo: Emirates Mars Mission -
On October 1, 2021, the UAE releases the first set of data collected by the mission, including images and science readings of the atmosphere and weather. Photo: Emirates Mars Mission -
This image taken by the Hope probe’s ultraviolet spectrometer shows sunlight reflected from the extended cloud of atomic hydrogen gas that surrounds Mars. The sunlight is visible only as a dark disk hidden within the gas. Emirates Mars Mission -
On January 1, a second set of data is released for free to the public. This image was enhanced by Andrea Luck and shows another cloudy day on the planet. The North Pole, Olympus Mons and Tharsis Montes are also visible. Photo: Hope Mars Mission / Andrew Luck
Abdulla Al Marar, head of space projects at the space agency, told The National that the survey would have a strong focus on the private sector.
“That's a major focus of the government today and not only through the survey, but also a lot of initiatives and strategies – we focus a lot on the private sector,” he said.
“The Mars mission has contributed directly to the economy, but also in the number of start-ups, small and medium enterprises being established.
“It really shed light on the space economy and the opportunities in space.”
Globally, space agencies are trying to get the private sector more involved to help reduce government spending.
Nasa has worked with companies such as SpaceX to send astronauts to space again, with Boeing developing its Starliner crew capsule.
The UAE Space Agency has launched a Dh3bn national investment and development fund for the space sector, with private companies to benefit most.
In a previous interview with The National, Ms Al Amiri said that she expected space projects to have a direct effect on the economy in the next five years.
She said it was important to build an industry that would develop advanced space systems and generate more job opportunities, including for overseas talent.
“Most of the current space sector within the Emirates is focused on government spending and programmes across both local and federal governments,” she said at the time.
"Today, we're talking about a space sector that has an indirect impact to the economy.
"In five years, we want to see a space sector that has both an indirect impact on the economy, society and also a direct impact on the economy."
