UAE National Projects

UAE Space Agency conducts Mars Summer Camp in Australia

Camp launched in collaboration with the Emirates Foundation and the Hamilton Space School.
At the camp in Australia.

The UAE Space Agency has launched a Mars Summer Camp, which began on August 4 and will run until the 12th in Adelaide, Australia, to generate enthusiasm amongst students for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The Mars Summer Camp was organised in collaboration with the Mike Roach Space Education Centre at Hamilton Secondary College and the Think Science programme of the Emirates Foundation, the national foundation focused on nurturing youth competitiveness and fostering partnerships between the private and public sectors to encourage social responsibility.

The Camp programme covers a number of key topics and concepts related to space science and exploration, including the expansion of the universe and the challenges of space travel. It also covers topics related to astronomy and the atmosphere, the effects of microgravity, and rocket science, which is partially explained by having students build model rockets.

The camp will also provide students with the opportunity to design, build and evaluate a Mars rover model using the Lego Mindstorms EV3 technology. In addition, students will participate in mock astronaut training sessions and undergo physical fitness and readiness tests for space travel.

H.E. Al Ahbabi explained to parents how the camp has the potential to shape their children’s future careers and provide them with practical scientific expertise and expand their knowledge of the space sector and the sciences.

H.E. Al Ahbabi said: “We are delighted to have launched this summer camp in Australia and to collaborate with the Emirates Foundation Think Science programme and the Hamilton Space School. This Camp is one of four launched by the Agency in 2018 as a part of our efforts to raise awareness among students of the significance of space science and the importance of space exploration for our future. Our efforts in this regard are in line with the UAE Space Agency’s strategic priorities, including investing in education with a special focus on the space sector and space science.”

H.E. Maytha Hamad Al Habsi, CEO of Emirates Foundation added: “This scientific expedition will go a long way towards incentivizing our youth to pursue technological advancements in the field of space and science and will further encourage more schools and universities to instill the passion for research, investigation and exploration among the new generations. We are constantly working together with our partners to offer such opportunities for our youth to excel in the area of scientific innovation and to apply their academic knowledge for the benefit of their society.”