European astronaut speaks to Emirati students to boost space interest

Frank de Winne, Europe’s first international space station commander, spoke to Zayed University students at two campuses.

ABU DHABI // Europe’s first international space station commander led a university roadshow in the UAE this week as part of the Next Gen Space Initiative and the country’s first Belgian Week. The initiative, aimed at educating and inspiring youths on the wonders of space, supports the build-up campaign towards the Global Space Congress, to be held in Abu Dhabi from January 31 to February 1.

Belgian Frank de Winne, now head of the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany, spoke to Emirati youths at Zayed University campuses in Dubai and Sharjah about his personal experiences in space and spending six months in low Earth orbit.

The students were given the opportunity to quiz him on a range of topics regarding developments in the space industry and how it feels to be an astronaut.

“The inclusion of space in the seven strategic sectors of the UAE’s National Innovation Strategy is a clear indication of the country’s determination to play a strong contributory role in global development,” Mr de Winne said.

“The UAE Space Agency is doing much to promote the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which will create critical thinkers, spread science literacy and enable a whole new generation of innovators to develop the products that will grow and sustain the future worldwide economy.”

Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi, the agency’s director general, said the visit helped the UAE in its work towards developing the space sector and helping its youth learn more about available opportunities.