The UAE will send the first Emirati and Arab astronaut to the lunar orbit, as part of a new space project announced on Sunday.

The UAE confirmed its participation in Nasa’s Lunar Gateway Station alongside the USA, Japan, Canada and the European Union. The Lunar Gateway will serve as humanity’s first space station around the Moon.

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended the launch of the UAE’s contributions to the historic Lunar Gateway.

On his official X account, President Sheikh Mohamed said: “I was pleased to attend with my brother Mohammed bin Rashid the launch of the UAE’s contributions to the historic Lunar Gateway, which will serve as humanity’s first space station around the Moon.”

“Through our long-term investment in space exploration and scientific innovation, the UAE is determined to work alongside its international partners to enable collective progress for all,” Sheikh Mohamed.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said that as part of the nation’s contribution, the UAE will develop a complete unit weighing 10 tons for the station.

Space operations

Additionally, the UAE will establish a space operations centre within our country, along with a global centre for astronaut training.

On his official X account, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said; “In the UAE, we began the new year with remarkable projects. Today, I joined President of the UAE in announcing our participation in a global scientific endeavour to construct a lunar space station, in collaboration with the United States, Canada, Japan, and the European Union.

“The lunar space station signifies humanity’s return to the moon and serves as a vital platform for launching missions to Mars,” Sheikh Mohammed added.

He noted that the work on this project will commence immediately, aligning with one of the most significant space ambitions of the coming decade.

“We are proud of our projects, our skilled workforce, and the aspirations of our youth. Filled with optimism, we look forward to a new year that promises to be the most beautiful and greatest yet for the UAE,” His Highness stated.

Its primary functions include acting as a solar-powered communication hub, facilitating scientific research, accommodating government-agency astronauts on short-term missions, and serving as a storage facility for rovers and robotic missions.

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