Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre launches Mars competition for students

ABU DHABI // The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre has launched a competition challenging students to share their knowledge about the Mars, the planet the UAE intends to reach in less than 5 years.

The Explore Mars Poster contest offers undergraduate and graduate students the chance to present their research to a group of renowned experts in the Red Planet.

Participants have been asked to present their research on the planet’s geology, atmosphere or habitability on a square metre-sized poster.

The competition would help foster a culture of scientific research in the country, said Salem Al Marri, assistant director general for scientific and technical affairs at space centre.

“It is also very important to create opportunities for all graduate and undergraduate students to deepen their knowledge of Martian science and gain new skills in the field of analysing scientific facts and data,” he said.

Omran Sharaf, project manager of the Emirates Mars Mission — the department leading the UAE’s Mars mission — said the competition’s goal was to engage students in the field of space exploration.

“It’s also a good opportunity to learn more about the Red Planet’s surface, atmosphere and climate,” he said.

Students must register for the contest online on the space centre’s website before Thursday then submit their posters before September 28.

The top three entrants will receive cash prizes with first place receiving Dh10,000, second Dh7,000, and third Dh5,000.

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