MBRSC announces Emirati crew member for Nasa programme

Dubai: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has announced the selection of Obaid Al Suwaidi as the Emirati crew member for the second analogue study of the UAE Analog Programme.

The study will be carried out as part of NASA’s Human Exploration Research Analogue (HERA) Campaign 7 Mission 4, scheduled to begin on November 1, 2024.

Al Suwaidi will join the primary crew, including Kristen Magas, Tiffany Snyder, and Anderson Wilder, in a 45-day mission within the 650-square-foot Human Exploration Research Analogue (HERA) facility at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, USA.

HERA habitat

The three-storey HERA habitat, designed to replicate the conditions of space exploration here on Earth, offers a unique platform for studying human adaptability to isolation and confinement. By simulating the demands of long-term space travel, such as missions to Mars, scientists aim to better understand how future astronauts will cope with the extreme physical and psychological challenges posed by deep space journeys.

Simulated walk

Throughout the mission here on Earth, the crew will undertake a variety of experiments, including a simulated “walk” on Mars using virtual reality, along with activities like cultivating vegetables and shrimp farming. A key aspect of the HERA studies involves assessing the long-term effects of isolation and confinement on crew performance, health, and well-being. Additionally, the crew will experience communication delays with Mission Control, simulating the increasing time lags expected as they “approach” Mars. These delays, which could extend up to five minutes one way, are critical to observing how astronauts might manage similar conditions on future interplanetary missions.

18 human health experiments

The four crew members will participate in 18 human health experiments, focusing on physiological, behavioural, and psychological responses in a controlled environment. This research will provide valuable data, which seeks to enhance human resilience and performance in space flight conditions.

As with previous phases of the analogue study, the UAE’s involvement demonstrates its growing contribution to international space exploration. Leading six of the mission’s critical studies in collaboration with MBRSC are the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), and the American University of Sharjah (AUS). These efforts reflect the UAE’s continued commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in preparation for future lunar and Martian exploration.

Crucial role

Adnan Al Rais, Assistant Director General — Space Operations and Exploration Sector, MBRSC said: “We are pleased to announce the selection of Obaid Al Suwaidi for the next phase of the second analogue study under the UAE Analogue Programme. His involvement in this mission, in collaboration with Nasa, strengthens our scientific foundation in addressing the human factors of long-duration space flight. The findings from this study will play a crucial role in shaping the future strategies for deep space missions, including Mars, while reinforcing the UAE’s position as a key player in international space exploration. We remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and inspiring future generations to drive forward our vision of space exploration and scientific discovery.”

Captain engineer

Obaid Al Suwaidi, a captain engineer at the UAE Ministry of Defence, has extensive experience in civil and marine engineering, offering strategic leadership in addressing complex challenges within the organisation. During his role at the Ministry, he was instrumental in optimising productivity, setting high professional standards, and building a talented team to meet the nation’s defence needs.

Al Suwaidi has a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Western Sydney University, Australia, a master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering from George Washington University, USA and master’s degree in project management from Abu Dhabi University.

In addition to his professional pursuits, he is an avid horse rider, swimmer, and runner. Al Suwaidi is part of the fourth group of volunteers to participate in an analogue study in HERA this year. The first phase of the second analogue study of the UAE Analog Programme was completed on 11 March 2024, while the second and third phases were completed on 25 June 2024 and 23 September 2024, respectively.