Abu Dhabi: Marking another step forward in its commitment to the progress of technologies in the UAE, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology has announced that students at the university will now be offered specialised courses in space systems and technology.
The move towards space systems and technology by Masdar Institute is part of a collaborative effort with leading satellite companies Yahsat and Orbital ATK, and will see the first group of students starting in September this year.
“The Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) approval to incorporate the Space Systems and Technology concentration demonstrates Masdar Institute’s ability to create the talent required for the UAE’s space programme. Following this approval, Masdar Institute is better positioned to contribute to the country’s national ambitions,” said Dr Bahjat Al Yousuf, Interim Provost, Masdar Institute.
Mona Al Muhairi, Executive Director of Human Capital at Yahsat, commented on the importance of developing local homegrown expertise, “This is a significant milestone for the UAE’s space initiatives…Building a talent pool of the next generation of space engineers is vital to the sustainable growth of the space industry,” she said.
As part of the programme students will also be involved in developing their own projects, which includes the building of a satellite.
“Our space concentration is designed to give students the specialist knowledge and skills required for a career working with space technology and its applications. Students’ theses will address challenges and scientific research opportunities in space science and technology and will be complemented by a hands-on project focused on designing, building, testing and launching a small satellite,” explained Dr Yousuf Shatilla, Dean of Academic Programmes, Masdar Institute.
The latest announcement by Masdar Institute follows that of Khalifa University which, as Gulf News reported, has launched its own specialised programme on space flight and technologies.
In July the UAE announced its intention to send an unmanned space probe to Mars by 2021, the first ever such endeavour by an Arab and Islamic country.
