The first meeting of the UAE Space Agency was conducted by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, who directed all government institutions to provide maximum support.
The meeting set out the framework and goals for the unmanned space mission to Mars planned for launch in 2021, said Wam, the state news agency.
Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the importance of preparing a new generation of aerospace engineers and professionals, and the need to create a constructive legislative environment. “This is a historic mission and an epic challenge for the Arab and Islamic world, led by a team of fine and dedicated Emirati talent,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
He urged team members to work with international space-exploration institutions and to carefully study previous missions to explore Mars. “Our success will reflect positively on the trustworthy reputation we have established. This is a message for the new Arab generation, to trust their capabilities and what they can achieve,” he said.
Officials announced plans to set up the agency last week. At the time, Sheikh Khalifa, President of the UAE, said: “The UAE Mars probe represents the Islamic world’s entry into the era of space exploration. We will prove that we are capable of delivering new scientific contributions to humanity.”
newsdesk@thenational.ae
