Where is the Arab World in Outer Space?
By: Meral Abu-Jaser/Arab America Contributing Writer
Recently, the landing on Mars by NASA’s rover has been making news. Social media platforms have been concentering on the landing of the spacecraft. With technology becoming more advanced as the day passes by, discoveries are on the rise. Yet, have you ever wondered where are Arabs in outer space? Did you know that the United States of America is not the only county that is making its way to space? Well, let us get introduced to the achievements of the Arab world as they also make their mark on their new voyage into outer space.
To some, this might not be new news to you as you might know that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has always cooperated with NASA, but did you know that Egypt is getting involved as well? Yup, you could not have guessed this, Egypt is actually among the Arab countries that are making history in 2021 as they also launch their own satellite to outer space. You must be interested to learn more if you reached the end of this paragraph! Well, hang tight as we go into more depth about the Arab world reaching outer space.
Since when have Arabs been Involved in Outer Space?
Not many know this, but Arabs have been promoting the science of astronomy since the early 1900s. The UAE has been involved in astronomy long before the first man set foot on the moon. In fact, the first Arab that went to space was on June 17, 1985. His name is Sultan Salman Abdulaziz Al Saud, a Saudi air force fighter pilot who became the first Arab to go into outer space. He went on the Discovery space shuttle from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Finally, he was the “first Saudi Arabian citizen, Muslim, and a member of the royal family to go into space.”
Moreover, after this amazing achievement, a Syrian had the honor to become the second Arab to go into outer space. Thus, on July 22, 1987, Muhammed Faris marked another historical event as he also went abroad to a space shuttle. Throughout his journey, Faris analyzed several research experiments. From a race to space began and a new era of involvement raised with the honor of the Arabs becoming a part of such a terrific phenomenon.
Egypt to Launch Satellite at end of 2021
Yes, Egypt is planning to launch a satellite at the end of 2021 probably in early/mid-December. This has been an ongoing establishment and plans to develop more projects in the future have been discussed. The head of the Egyptian Space Agency is Mohammed El-Qousi. His ambition to increase Egypt’s space science projects has been notified with other foreign countries. Hence, China, as well as Germany, are partnering with this planned launch. In addition, it is noted that this satellite would be the first one to be used for remote sensing and scientific research when it is launched.
Therefore, Egypt, China, and Germany remarked that this is only the start of a new partnership. For instance, another satellite launch is also planned for mid-2022. This time the purpose would be to monitor climate change. As stated by El-Qousi, “among Egypt’s goals in the coming years was the opening of a satellite collection and testing center by the end of September 2022 as one of the branches of a space city.”
The UAE in Outer Space
On 02/10/2021 The United Arab Emirates made history as the Hope Probe launched seven months ago reached planet Mars. This journey was successful after a distance of 307 million miles was passed. This remarkable accomplishment made the UAE become the first Arab nation to enter a probe into the Mar’s orbit. According to Abu Dhabi’s space agency, the UAE is developing plans for a Mars settlement as early as 2117.
As presumed, there are no limits when it comes to the UAE ambition. Therefore, it was noted that “the UAE aims to play a leading role in the global space sector by 2021.” By means of this, the UAE mission and race in outer space would build an advanced and sustainable space program in the Arab world. Moreover, other intentions of the mission are “establishing a sustainable knowledge-based economy.” As a result, scientific explorations are promoted while building international relations.
What is Next?
With all of this going on in only one year, one can imagine how the next will be. Day after day, Arabs are making history. This year it was made as Arab countries raced into the new development of outer space. Currently, Egypt and the UAE are advancing towards a brighter future for upcoming generations. Every step that is being taken by the Arabs is significant. Yet, even though we have been involved in space for a very long time, we still embrace the achievements of all regions. This is not the end, but the beginning of a new era for the Arab world.
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