For those intrigued by the wonders of the cosmos, the Space Pavilion at the Dubai Airshow proudly showcases a replica of the EMU spacesuit worn by Emirati astronaut Sultan al Neyadi during his historic spacewalk in April.
In addition to the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) suit, fair attendees were seen exploring the SpaceX pressure suit designed for astronauts during launch and re-entry to Earth. Adjacent to the EMU suit stands a prototype of the UAE’s Lunar rover, with visitors capturing moments alongside these impressive exhibits.
This year, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and the UAE Space Agency have made a significant return to the Dubai Airshow, unveiling an expanded pavilion that stands as the largest in its history, featuring prominent companies in the field.
EMU Suit on Display
The EMU spacesuit, weighing around 128kg and capable of having up to 16 layers, is showcased in a glass case along with the helmet. Attendees are observed being drawn to inquire about the suit, notable for its cooling garment embedded with water tubes. Additionally, it features a communication system connecting spacewalkers, the International Space Station (ISS), and mission control teams on Earth. The gloves come with built-in heaters, and the special suit contains a control panel managing the backpack. Colored stripes on the left shoulder aid in identifying the spacewalkers.
Astronauts are shielded from intense solar rays, and the helmet supplies oxygen. The portable life support system integrated into the suit includes a carbon dioxide removal mechanism, a two-way radio, a water tank, and a cooling garment. The rigid upper torso interfaces the suit with the power systems, and the lower torso features a sequence of rings designed to link astronauts to the ISS and affix tools.
Rashid Rover
Attendees were also seen capturing images of the mini Rashid Rover that crash-landed on the Moon’s surface in April 2023. Mission control lost communication with the Hakuto-R lander, constructed by Japan's ispace inc, just moments before it was scheduled to touch down. Concurrently, the MBRSC is working towards launching a fresh mission to the Moon.
National Space Academy Unveiled
On the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow, with the support of the National Space Fund, the UAE Space Agency unveiled one of the Fund’s first initiatives—the National Space Academy.
This academy, dedicated to contributing to the UAE space program, is designed to nurture the skills of young Emiratis in space, science, and technology, adhering to the most stringent global benchmarks and bolstering the sustainability of national space programs.
Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology and Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, stated, “The Dh3 billion National Space Fund was established to support the country’s space sector. It operates under the umbrella of the UAE Space Agency to find solutions for financing and facilitating the development of space activities and the UAE space sector.”
Al Amiri added, “The academy will offer a unique model in converting theoretical knowledge to practical experiences, qualifying graduates to contribute effectively to the national space sector.”
Five Emirati engineers from TII participated in both the initial and subsequent stages of the space workshops. Additionally, they will receive support for the third phase, facilitating their involvement in the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) while being guided by experienced space mission professionals.
Ray O. Johnson, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute, emphasized, "The space industry is unique and complex. It requires expertise, skills, and strategic cooperation to ensure its sustainability. Hence, we must strengthen cooperation between the academic sector and specialized companies to train young talents and enable them to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to work in this pioneering sector."
Johnson continued, “The Academy will provide an educational, research, and practical environment that enables students to explore and develop new technologies, in addition to accelerating development processes and providing effective and innovative solutions that ensure the sustainability of the field and its continuous development.”