The UAE Space Agency (UAESA) and Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) are participating in the 74th edition of International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2023, being held in Baku, Azerbaijan from October 2-6, 2023. IAC is the world’s largest and most prestigious global space event and the UAE is the event’s Golden Sponsor this year. This year’s Congress’ theme is Global Challenges and Opportunities: Give Space a Chance.
The UAE delegation for the UAESA is being helmed by Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology and Chairperson of UAE Space Agency. Through its participation in the meeting, the UAESA seeks to enhance cooperation with international space agencies, and share expertise from its ambitious space programs.
It highlighted the UAE’s role in the field of sustainable development and combating climate change, as well as the Space Pavilion at COP28 in Expo City Dubai. UAESA also explained the importance of this edition, which reflects the UAE’s continued efforts to support international strategies to effectively tackle climate change.
During the conference, Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, held a series of bilateral meetings with senior officials and international partners to discuss mutual cooperation opportunities and exchange experiences in the field of space.
Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri participated as a main speaker in a panel entitled “One-To-One with Global Space Leaders” where moderators, speakers, and participants had the chance to engage with the UAESA’s Chair in a discussion about the UAE’s space sector, its challenges, opportunities, and future.
The UAE Space Agency’s participation in the IAC is a strategic step in strengthening the UAE’s global position as one of the leading countries in space research and exploration. It also contributes to its continuous endeavour to exchange experiences and knowledge and cooperate with international partners to achieve progress and innovation in space, and support sustainable development in this vital and rapidly growing industry.
MBRSC’s participation aims to highlight the achievements of UAE’s astronauts, such as, Sultan AlNeyadi’s six-month mission upon the International Space Station (ISS), the Emirates Lunar Mission’s Rashid Rover, and satellite projects, including KhalifaSat, and the upcoming MBZ-SAT.
Plans for the Emirates Lunar Mission 2 will also be announced at IAC. The centre will further highlight the significant achievements of the Emirates Mars Mission, renowned for its crucial scientific contributions while shedding light on the Mars 2117 project through which the UAE aims to establish the first inhabitable human settlement on Mars by 2117.
Over 20 MBRSC delegates will be engaging actively in various sessions spread across the five-day event. The delegation is being spearheaded by Salem AlMarri, Director General, MBRSC, Adnan AlRais, Assistant Director General for Space Operations and Exploration, MBRSC and MBRSC Astronaut Hazzaa AlMansoori, Astronauts Office Manager, will elaborate UAE’s steadfast commitment to propelling advancements in space science and technology. Additionally, MBRSC’s booth at the IAC will also highlight collaborations with distinguished universities, such as the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC).
Speaking at the Congress, Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General, MBRSC, said: “Our vision to elevate the UAE’s position as a leading force in the global space arena has been our guiding light for the coming decade. This gathering is not just an event; it is a strategic milestone on that path. The IAC offers an invaluable platform to promote space exploration and foster international cooperation, aligning perfectly with our long-term goals. We extend our sincere gratitude to the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and Azercosmos for hosting this remarkable event.”
Adnan AlRais will lead discussions on key space-related topics, exploring MBRSC’s role within the global space sector and shed light on the collaborative initiatives underway between MBRSC and the international space community. Additionally, he will moderate a panel titled, A Collective Responsibility in Theory and Practice: Ethical Standards for Selecting an IAC Host which will address critical questions regarding the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and its ability to foster equality among member nations in a dynamic global environment, highlighting space as a harmonising force worldwide.
Astronaut Hazzaa AlMansoori will participate in the Astronauts Roundtable Technical session, where he will share insights from his training and experiences, along with operations conducted at the International Space Station (ISS). AlMansoori will also brief students from Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA), joined by fellow committee astronauts, enriching their understanding with practical knowledge and firsthand experiences. He will also serve as a key panellist in the IAF Global Networking Forum Session titled, Popularising Space – Meet the Space People, hosted by the IAF Astronauts Administrative Committee. The panel seeks to facilitate discussions on strategies employed in commercial human spaceflight initiatives.
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