The UAE Space Agency announced today that it is sponsoring a group of UAE students to the Senior Space School UK program, run by the physics department at the University of Leicester. The Space Agency’s participation in the program, which is to be held between July 30 and August 7, aims to encourage students to continue studies in space sciences and astronomy.
The Space School includes a number of interesting lectures and interactive workshops. A range of topics will be covered, such as the composition of the solar system, planets and their atmospheres, as well as the history of space exploration. The program also addresses the black holes, radiation and other relevant areas of space and astronomy.
The school features scientific experiments and tests, such as building and launching rockets and developing satellites, in addition to planetary and stellar observation events. The Space School also includes visits to a number of advanced space centers and companies, including The National Space Centre and Airbus.
HE Dr Khalifa Al Romaithi, Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, said: “Attracting and preparing national cadres to become pioneers in the field of space science, is a part of the UAE Space Agency’s strategic objectives and its efforts to build the human capital necessary to lead the national space sector and contribute to a knowledge-based economy.”
Al Romaithi added: “This type of summer school represents a great opportunity to realize the Agency’s plans. Through such events, we are working to inspire students to take up studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which form the basic building blocks for success and innovation in space and astronomical fields.”
For his part, HE Dr Mohamed Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, said: “This summer school supports the capabilities and creativity of students interested in space sciences, as well as developing teamwork skills with counterparts from around the world, which is one of the most distinguishing features of the space sector. The educational and training activities will definitely allow students to achieve their full potential, and to gain knowledge about space that will lay the groundwork for the future of this important sector.”
Rashid Al Masoud, one of the students participating in the event, said: “After I finish my studies, I aspire to become a mechanical engineer in the space sector, especially since I will graduate in 2020, coinciding with the launch of the Hope Probe mission to Mars.”
Al Masoud added: “Thanks to the opportunity to participate in the space school that the UAE Space Agency provided me, I will be able to develop my knowledge about space sciences, astronomy and physics. These are especially relevant to communications and security fields, in which I hope to work.”
Another student, Lolowa Al Kindi, said: “my interest in all things related to space emerged during tenth grade at secondary school. That’s when I began studying astronomy in my free time, and became fascinated with planetary movements. Since then, I’ve wanted to be a part of the UAE space sector, and work to develop the regional impact on space sciences, exploration and research and development.”
She added: “I’m ready for this camp, especially since it will allow me to get practical experience and get to know influential people within the global space sector.”
The UAE Space Agency is cooperating with a number of prestigious local and international educational organizations to organize summer camps that develop students’ knowledge of space-related fields. These include visits to various facilities in the national space sector and visits abroad to renowned space centers and destinations.