An artist's impression of a human settlement on Mars. MBRSC

The UAE is setting its sights on being the first country in the world to build a human settlement on Mars in the next 100 years. The ambitious project was first announced in 2017 as part of the Mars 2117 programme led by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). The MBSRC said the project is “driven by the passion of the UAE's leadership to uncover new knowledge” and represents the UAE’s contribution to mankind’s interplanetary mission. For more than two years, the Emirates Mars Mission has provided never-before-seen insights into the Martian atmosphere, with data on its atmosphere and weather patterns that experts hope will support future Mars missions. Another project, the UAE Analog Mission, an offshoot of the Mars 2117 programme, is also playing a vital role in preparing humans for future exploration of Mars and other planets. By simulating space-like conditions on Earth, the mission is contributing to advancing spaceflight research by enabling space scientists to conduct experiments, develop countermeasures for space-hazards, and test new technologies. The first UAE Analog Mission, the eight-month SIRIUS-21 programme, was completed by Emirati crew member Saleh Al Ameri in July 2022, after achieving all its objectives to test the effects of isolation on human psychological and physiological conditions. Meanwhile, the UAE seeks to launch human space missions every three to five years, with the MBRSC currently preparing for a new phase of its space exploration program. Hamad Obaid AlMansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, said the UAE wants to develop infrastructure, technologies and talent to make it a “frontrunner in the global space industry”. In May, the UAE sent Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi on the Arab world’s longest space mission on the International Space Station (ISS). Al Neyadi has been conducting research and experiments onboard the ISS that could help astronauts find a sustainable food source in the future, as well as provide potential cure for diseases like Alzheimer’s. The MBRSC has reportedly started planning for new large-scale interplanetary missions that are set to further accelerate the UAE’s space engineering, scientific research and exploration capabilities. ICA/Expat Media
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