Western academics specializing in space sciences and planetary exploration, in statements to Al-Bayan, valued the UAE’s efforts in the field of space, stressing that it is a “major force” in this field, and they also talked about the importance of the UAE project to explore the asteroid belt.
Professor Philip Stock, University of Western Ontario, who focuses his research efforts on lunar and planetary exploration and mapping, said that the UAE has taken a set of pioneering steps in the field of space, citing the Emirates Mars Exploration Project, the Hope Probe, and scientific efforts in studying the planet’s atmosphere.
He added that the UAE is building its high-tech sector and developing ambitions to do more, adding: “We already see other Arab countries doing important things as well in this context, including the Saudi astronauts on the space station, where the targets in this field are very beneficial to all countries.” in the region.”
latest project
Jamie Matthews, a physicist and professor at the University of British Columbia, pointed out that the latest project announced by the UAE to explore the main asteroid belt of the solar system is the latest project in the space sector, as it comes in connection with a series of other steps taken by the country in this field.
And he sheds light on one of these efforts, citing the Hope Probe for the exploration of Mars, which entered orbit on the ninth of February of the year 2021.
It also indicates that Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi won the title of the first Arab to walk in space last month, and Hazza Al Mansouri was the first Arab astronaut on the International Space Station.
Edward Klotz, a professor at the Canadian University of Winnipeg, whose research interests include geological mapping of Mars and asteroids, says that the UAE has become “a major force in planetary exploration.”
And he adds in his statements to Al-Bayan: “The UAE has a very ambitious plan to participate in the exploration of many bodies in the solar system,” stressing that “the scientific community welcomes the participation of new countries and organizations in the exploration efforts.” He continued: “I am sure that the UAE It will make significant contributions to our understanding of the origin and evolution of the solar system.”
important decisions
As for Professor Ram Jaco, a specialist in international space law at McGill International Research University in Montreal: The UAE leadership has taken important decisions at the right time in the field of space, represented by visionary initiatives to continue its efforts actively and invest heavily in this sector.
