Al Romaithi has been selected as a primary crew member for the second analog study of MBRSC’s UAE Analog Programme, as part of NASA’s Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) Campaign 7 Mission 2. The mission will simulate a journey to Mars, with Al Romaithi and crew members living and working in isolation inside the HERA habitat for 45 days.

Al Romaithi began his career with Etihad Airways in 2007, joining the first batch of Etihad’s cadet pilot programme and became the first Etihad cadet pilot to transition to Captain status.

Al Romaithi holds a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, alongside three master's degrees obtained from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. These advanced degrees specialise in aerospace and aviation management, safety systems, and space operations, respectively. Driven by his passion for aviation, Al Romaithi continued to pursue his studies while working as a pilot for the national airline, eventually earning his PhD in aviation.

Sponsored by Etihad Airways, he completed his doctoral studies at the renowned Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2014. Al Romaithi's achievement marked a significant milestone, as he became the first Emirati to earn a PhD in this field, and holds the distinction of being the youngest individual and only the eighth person worldwide to attain this prestigious degree.

Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer said: "We are immensely proud of Shareef’s accomplishments, which hold great significance not only for Etihad but also for the UAE nation and the aviation industry. From the start, Etihad has believed in Shareef’s abilities and his journey from cadet pilot to space explorer is a testament to his exceptional talent and determination. At Etihad we give flight to ambition and this is testimony to that purpose. 

“We remain committed to supporting and nurturing national talent and pushing boundaries in the aviation industry. Shareef’s academic foundation, combined with over 16 years of experience flying various aircraft types in the Etihad fleet, has prepared him with the expertise and leadership necessary for his selection as a key crew member for the NASA simulated Mars mission. We stand ready to support Shareef as he embarks on this historic mission."

Al Romaithi has extensive experience with Etihad, including more than 9,000 flight hours on multiple aircraft types within the Airbus and Boeing fleets of Etihad Airways.

Reflecting on his journey, Captain Shareef Al Romaithi, said: “Choosing to work with Etihad was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Etihad's ambitious and growing environment allowed me to expand my knowledge and ambitions and provided me with the opportunity to work with a young and technologically advanced fleet. I'm grateful for Etihad for opening the doors for my career and academic pursuits, and for preparing me for this momentous undertaking—shaping my path from the cockpit to space exploration.”

Launched with technology partner Murmuration and mobility data partner Michelin Mobility Intelligence, the holistic Urban Twin monitoring service will provide Serco clients with a complete 360-degree environmental overview, helping them to use the latest AI data-driven insights and analytics to fight climate change at a building, development, project, city or giga city level.  

Using state-of-the-art Earth observation satellite data and other geospatial data sources, companies and governments will be able to proactively put climate protection measures in place during the planning stage of their projects, or retrospectively look to minimise their environmental impact from existing assets.

The new solution will enable companies and governments to monitor the environmental impact of their operation, via AI modelling; it will also enable prediction, through simulating the impact of decisions on different climate-based scenarios, such as dealing with the impacts of rising sea levels or monitoring air quality in congested environments. Furthermore, the data will also help support the conservation of biodiversity, as well as providing the insight to create more sustainable traffic networks. 

With such information fuelled with the latest data, entities are enabled to make better decisions, and be capable of planning for situations and events so they are better prepared in the fight against climate change. 

Commenting on the launch of the Urban Twin Solution at LEAP in Riyadh, Amar Vora, Head of Space at Serco Middle East, said:

“The launch of our Urban Twin Solution is an exciting moment for us at Serco. With 50% of essential climate variables only measurable from space, we must look to the invisible infrastructure of the skies in the fight against climate change. Earth observation satellite data provides us with a bird’s eye view of what is really happening on the ground. It can help us take bold steps to manage many challenges, such as reducing air pollution, acting on greenhouse emissions, to enhancing food security through better monitoring, management, and optimisation of agricultural practices. 

“Through Earth observation data, we can impact a better future. We can predict scenarios that may arise if we don’t act now to take mitigating action, so we can be better placed to make informed decisions to ward against the effects of climate change when it comes to managing the built environment.”

This is a major milestone for the mission’s production phase as it ensures the mission’s safety and success.

Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, said: “Today, the UAE plays a decisive role in shaping the global space exploration map, by adopting ambitious missions and applying the highest quality and safety standards in its space missions.”

Al Qubaisi added: “The final phase of the mission’s design is more than just a technical step. It reflects our strategic vision and continuous development to support the achievement of the mission’s scientific goals and enhance our position as pioneers in this vital sector.”

Al Qubaisi continued: “We affirm our commitment to advancing and making more achievements that contribute to promoting the scientific progress of humanity, and inspiring a new generation of scientists and explorers. We also aim to expand strategic partnerships with scientific and academic institutions locally and globally, to enrich our mission with knowledge and technological resources and increase our chances of success in current and future missions.”

The meetings were attended by the EMA team, UAE Space Agency leadership and employees, strategic and knowledge partners, as well as organisations and institutions from the public and private sector in the UAE.

EMA consists of a six-year spacecraft design and development phase followed by launch and a seven-year mission to the main asteroid belt beyond Mars, performing a series of close flybys to make a series of observations of seven main belt asteroids, and finally landing on Justitia. The MBR Explorer will carry advanced scientific devices that will work together to achieve the mission’s scientific objectives. The mission's objectives focus on understanding the origins and evolution of water-rich asteroids and evaluating the possibility of using asteroids as resources for future space exploration missions.

The mission will measure the surface composition, geology, interior density, temperatures, and thermophysical properties of multiple asteroids in the main asteroid belt to analyse their surface evolution and history.

Mohsen Al Awadhi, Mission Director - Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, said: “EMA’s national team includes graduates of the National Space Academy, one of the initiatives of the National Space Fund, which plays a pivotal role in enhancing the sustainability of national space programs and promoting human development.”

The release celebrates the third year of science data gathering around Mars by the Hope probe and marks the accomplishment of the Mission’s stated science objectives.

His Excellency Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, director general, UAE Space Agency, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, said: “The Emirates Mars Mission was conceived to provide a national challenge that would accelerate the development not only of the UAE’s engineering capabilities, but to disrupt our education, research and innovation ecosystems. There is no doubt at all that it has succeeded in that beyond our wildest expectations. At the outset, the UAE’s leadership made it clear that EMM should make a significant scientific contribution and we can now say that the mission not only fulfilled its original science objectives, but has significantly surpassed them.”

EMM was designed to achieve three objectives that complemented questions posed by the global grouping of Mars scientists and researchers, MEPAG - the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group. Hope set out to monitor the global, diurnal, and seasonal changes that the Martian atmosphere undergoes due to year-to-year variations including those caused by solar forcing that result in atmospheric escape – particularly of Hydrogen and Oxygen and the temporal and spatial behaviour of Mars’ atmosphere.

Hoor Al Mazmi, EMM Project Manager, commented: “We can say with confidence that EMM has blown past its original stated science objectives. Not only have we achieved our goals, and taken Hope into an extended mission, but we have added unique new discoveries, from investigations of new types of aurora through to the most extensive new observations of Mars’ least known moon, Deimos.”

“Hope’s unique elliptical orbit supports these unique observations, giving us a near-complete picture of the planet’s atmospheric dynamics every nine days. That has enabled us to create an incredible depiction of Mars’ changing atmosphere day and night, across the seasons and throughout a full Martian year.” Said Mohsen Al Awadhi, Director of Space Missions Department at UAE Space Agency, “With the probe performing optimally, we performed a manoeuvre to support a season of Deimos observations and I can say today that we still have the option, from an engineering point of view, of further extending the mission.”

The domain of space takes centre stage at World Defense Show 2024, with the introduction of the dedicated Defense Space Arena, highlighting the vital role that space technology will play in shaping the future of national defense strategy globally.

The Defense Space Arena, incorporating the Defense Space Domain and the Space Theatre, is a hub where countries can work together, sharing expertise, experience, and ideas. Leading space companies from all over the world will come together to showcase their latest technologies and collaborate on projects.

Andrew Pearcey, CEO World Defense Show, said: “We are very excited about the possibilities presented by the Defense Space Arena, which go far beyond the five days of our event.”

Representatives from various international private and public sector entities involved in the evolution of space technology will be actively participating in the Space Theatre discussions and presentations.

Pearcey added: “The Defense Space Arena is more than just showcasing the latest technology and innovation in the domain. It facilitates high-level communications between countries and is a hub for discussions and development. It also showcases the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's plans for the future and creates opportunities for them and other countries to work together to use space's potential to make our nations safer and more successful.”

The Space Theatre will run throughout the visitor open days of the event (5-8 February) and will feature global leaders and influencers from industry, military, and academia discussing the challenges and potential of space from the point of view of governance, technological development, interoperability, inclusivity, future talent, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, among others.

The Defense Space Domain, sponsored by the Ministry of Defense, will be open throughout the show, offering an engaging and interactive introduction to space defense development. The vast potential of space capabilities, technologies, and solutions will be highlighted on video screens, with exciting digital content from major industry players including BAE Systems, Boeing Space, Leo Labs, and Lockheed Martin. Physical and digital space assets from both industry and institutions will also be on display, demonstrating the evolution of the technology. Visitors can also enjoy a walkthrough of a Space Station simulation, where digital screens provide information on the role and importance of the space domain.

Pearcey added: “At the WDS Defense Space Arena, the world witnesses the culmination of international collaboration as leading space entities converge, exchange knowledge, and foster partnerships. This unique platform showcases cutting-edge space capabilities and technologies, offering a glimpse into the forefront of space advancements.

Entry to the Defense Space Arena, Space Theatre, and Defense Space Domain is part of the general entry ticket. Places for the event in February in Riyadh are now limited but still available.

Held under the slogan ‘Space for Sustainability’, the Space Pavilion attracted wide local, regional, and international participation.

Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology and Chairperson of UAE Space Agency, said: “Our participation reflects our commitment to promoting sustainability and combating climate change using advanced space technologies. Today, we witness how international cooperation and innovation in space can open new horizons for a sustainable future. This supports the UAE’s role as a pioneer in this vital sector.”

Al Amiri added: “We are proud of the UAE Space Agency’s achievements, and we look forward to creating more milestones that contribute to elevating the UAE’s position as a hub for innovation and progress in space and climate technology.”

His Excellency Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, said: “The Space Pavilion’s success at COP28 reflects our consistent efforts to lead space innovation and sustainability. The interactive participation of international space agencies, experts, and organisations enriched discussions and sessions during COP28. These sessions contribute to achieving sustainable development and creating a better future for our planet.”

Al Qubaisi added: “We are committed to enhancing the use of space technology in environmental research and developing innovative solutions to address global climate challenges.”

MoUs

The UAE Space Agency signed a series of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with leading international space agencies. These MoUs underline the UAE’s commitment to boosting international cooperation in space to confront global environmental and climate challenges.

The first of these agreements was with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which aims to use remote sensing technologies and satellite data to monitor climate changes, in addition to building capabilities and enhancing cooperation in research and supporting innovation, especially in sustainable agriculture and rural development. The Agency also signed a MoU with the National Research and Innovation Agency of the Republic of Indonesia, to strengthen cooperation in civil space on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

Furthermore, the Agency signed an agreement with Milo Space Science Institute at Arizona State University, to expand cooperation in space exploration and support the workforce and startup companies in this field. Additionally, the UAE Space Agency signed a MoU with the Rwandan Space Agency to enhance bilateral cooperation in civil space activities. The agreement includes exchanging research, technology, and geospatial data, and launching projects for joint development in the space sector.

Panels, Sessions, and Presentations

The Space Pavilion hosted more than 60 panel discussions, sessions, and seminars with the participation of an elite group of speakers, specialists, space agencies, international organisations, and decision-makers. These sessions focused on the use of satellite data, space technology for sustainability, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, and the latest sustainable technologies and initiatives in the space sector.

The sessions, seminars, and presentations touched on the role of Arab and international space agencies and organisations, ways to combat climate change, the importance and role of analysing space data, how to use this data in various fields and sectors, and exploring ways in which space can contribute to achieving a better future for the planet.

The discussions also addressed the opportunities and challenges related to influence from space on land and sea, modern uses of global monitoring, the importance of technology in enhancing global monitoring capabilities, mitigating the impact of climate weather, the importance of presenting a loss and damage atlas, financing space-climate initiatives, among other topics.

The Agency also supports environmental research and encourages investment in research and development, with a special focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in the space sector. It is also working on developing joint projects to improve the use of space applications in the public and private sectors to support the UAE’s vision as a hub for innovation in the field of climate technology.

Space Agencies Leaders’ Summit and Pledges

The UAE Space Agency organised the first of its kind ‘Space Agencies Leaders’ Summit’, with the participation of more than 20 space agencies. By bringing together key actors from global climate policy and space exploration sectors, the summit addressed climate programs and initiatives that will expedite the pathway to 1.5C.

The summit witnessed the participation of international senior officials and decision-makers, including: Senator Bill Nelson, Administrator of NASA, Hiroshi Yamakawa, President of JAXA, Dr. Sang-Ryool Lee, President of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), His Excellency Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of UAE Space Agency, Dr. Mohammed Al Aseeri, CEO of the National Space Science Agency (NSSA) in Bahrain, and Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), Dr. Mohammed Al Tamimi, CEO of the Saudi Space Agency, along with many other space agencies and institutions.

The Space Agencies Leaders’ Summit ended with a Space Sector Pledge for Enhancing Space-Based Climate Initiatives to transform and accelerate climate action through financing climate programs and strengthening climate research to meet the commitments the world has made in the Paris Agreement in 2015. This created a collective commitment to support efforts to address climate change, enhance the exchange of scientific data and climate research, promote sustainable space activities, and finance space-climate programs.

Operational Phase for the Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform

In partnership with Bayanat, the UAE Space Agency announced the launch of the operational phase of the Space Data Center’s Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform, on the sidelines of its leadership in organising the Space Pavilion’s first participation at COP28. The platform includes three services: obtaining space images through international space agencies and a number of world-leading private companies, obtaining software and algorithms based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyse satellite images, and a marketing platform for space services and applications. This partnership comes one year after the announcement of a strategic partnership between the UAE Space Agency and Bayanat at the Abu Dhabi Space Debate 2022.

Projects and Initiatives

The UAE Space Agency organised Hack4Climate: Space for Sustainability to highlight the importance of space data and space technology to combat the challenges of climate change and provide an opportunity for programmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs to contribute to promoting the principle of Space for Sustainability’.

Through cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and a number of leading companies in Earth observation and space data analysis, Hack4Climate successfully attracted more than 50 experts, programmers, and researchers, and witnessed exceptional effort and dedication from the participants over the course of 4 days. As a result, the participating teams reviewed 9 solutions on the final day of the hackathon to the challenges of monitoring and tracking water pollution as a result of oil spills, monitoring air quality by monitoring NO2, reducing loss and damage as a result of forest fires, monitoring flood conditions, providing guidance to rescue teams, and monitoring vegetation to combat climate change.

The Agency presented its main initiatives and projects to combat climate change, with a focus on developing strategic partnerships in this field and enhancing environmental efforts. As part of its efforts to highlight the importance of the space sector in addressing climate change, the UAE Space Agency highlighted the Space Data Center, the Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform, and the Space Analytics and Solutions (SAS) Program, which constitute innovative systems to meet global sustainability challenges and develop applications in the field of Earth observation and remote sensing. The UAE Space Agency also presented a loss and damage atlas in cooperation with Planet Labs.

The UAE Space Agency’s participation and organisation of the Space Pavilion at COP28 highlighted the UAE’s pioneering role in promoting sustainability using the latest space and AI technologies, by highlighting modern technological developments in this vital sector, especially in monitoring weather changes. The Agency aims to contribute to accelerating climate efforts in the UAE, in coordination with national and international stakeholders in the space sector, and to encourage innovation and the adoption of new technologies that focus on climate change.

Organised by Innovate UK and Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA), with support from the Research Institute of Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS) – the delegation of African space innovators, entrepreneurs and government officials are this week meeting their British counterparts to share insights and explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership.

Taking place from 4 – 8 December 2023, the ‘UK-Africa Space-Technology Knowledge Exchange Tour’ includes a series of presentations, roundtable discussions, and site-visits across England and Scotland. Participants will examine the UK’s challenges, opportunities, and experiences in building sustainable space ecosystems. Avenues for joint research, development, and commercial partnership between the UK and Africa will also be discussed.

Alana Kruger, Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Manager for South Africa, commented on the tour by saying: “The UK is a world-leader in space, specifically in the manufacturing and launch capability fields, but also in areas such as finance, law, education, and ecosystem development. These are all components of a growing and sustainable space sector. Our focus is on giving our African partners an opportunity to interrogate how these elements contribute to a robust space ecosystem, and explore how they can apply similar strategies to spur industry growth at home.”

Joining the tour are representatives from the Kenyan and Rwandan national space agencies; academics from the universities of Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Witwatersrand; and directors of African space startups such as Astrofica, AgriBORA Labs, Locus Dynamics, Sayari Labs, and Wanscan Consulting. They are accompanied by a team of sectoral experts from Innovate UK and RIIS.

Board Member of ZASPACE and managing director of Wanscan Consulting, Janusha Singh: “Joining this tour is an exciting opportunity to learn from the UK's advanced space industry. There are many up- and downstream opportunities for collaboration between our two industries, especially now as space technology starts playing a more prominent role in areas like agriculture and disaster management. I am looking forward to applying the knowledge and relationships gained on this trip, to enhance our own capabilities and boost South Africa’s contribution to the global space community.”

It was launched on the side-lines of its initiatives in organising the Space Pavilion’s first participation at COP28.

The platform will include three key services: facilitation an access to satellite imagery  from international space agencies and a number of world-leading private companies, offering Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based algorithms to generate analytics reports, and a market-place for space applications and AI Space-Based Models. These services will help to attract leading innovators, accelerate the development process of space products, and contribute to the diversification of the UAE's economy.

Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, director-general of UAE Space Agency, said: “The operational phase of the Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform is a significant strategic step towards strengthening the UAE’s position as a major player in the global space industry and supporting sustainability. The platform will certainly contribute to improving our understanding of Earth and climate changes, and developing scientific and technological capabilities to combat these changes.”

Al Qubaisi added: “By providing accurate and comprehensive space data to scientists and institutions, this platform will enhance efforts to face global challenges such as climate change and natural disasters. This reflects the UAE’s commitment towards innovation and leadership in space exploration, and consolidating its position as a hub for scientific and technological excellence in the region and the world.”

Ibrahim Hamza Al Qasim, deputy director-general of UAE Space Agency, said: “The Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform will offer major technical development in the field of remote sensing and Earth observation, as it is distinguished by its ability to provide direct and rapid access to satellite data, which opens new horizons for scientists, researchers, and public and private institutions.”

Al Qasim added: “It will also contribute to developing innovative solutions to meet national and global challenges more efficiently, such as monitoring climate change, managing natural resources, and responding to natural disasters, by facilitating analyses and forecasts based on accurate satellite data, to create early warning systems and enhance rapid response.”

Meanwhile, the UAE Space Agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maldives, to form the basis for bilateral cooperation aimed at benefiting from the Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform’s services, to build an atlas of loss and damage for the Maldives. The MoU aims to enhance its capabilities in analysing and forecasting challenges related to climate change and natural disasters.

The Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform is one of the projects of the Space Data Center, which aims aims to provide scientists, researchers, public and private entities, startups, and community members with access to satellite data to develop solutions for national and global challenges through space applications and value-added services (VAS).