UAE continues its efforts to promote scientific knowledge in preparation for future exploration of the Moon and Mars. Adnan Al-Rais, Deputy Director General for Space Operations and Investigations at MBRSC, stated: "We are pleased to announce the selection of Obaid Al-Suwaidi for participation in the next phase of the second analytical study under the Analogue Programme UAE. Meanwhile, the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced the selection of Obaid Al-Suwaidi as a participant from the Emirates for the second analytical study of the Analogue Programme UAE within NASA's human exploration research (HERA) Mission 4, scheduled for January 1, 2024.
Obaid Al-Suwaidi, an engineering captain in the UAE Ministry of Defense, has extensive experience in civil and marine construction, providing strategic guidance in addressing complex tasks within the organizational framework. This research will provide valuable data aimed at enhancing resilience and productivity of humans in the conditions of space flight. The participation of Obaid Al-Suwaidi in this mission, alongside NASA, strengthens our scientific base for addressing human factors for long-duration spaceflight.
Al-Suwaidi joins a core team that includes Kristen Magas, Tiffani Snyder, and Anderson Wilders, in a mission continuing for 45 days in the simulation of human exploration (HERA) at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, USA. The HERA habitat module, designed for recreating space exploration conditions here on Earth, provides a unique platform for studying human adaptability to isolation and confinement.
The crew also faces communication delays with the Mission Control Center, simulating increased real-time delays expected during their "approaches" to Mars. During the mission on Earth, the crew will conduct various experiments, including simulating "walks" on Mars in virtual reality, as well as activities related to vegetable growing and shrimp farming. Organizations in the Emirates, such as UAEU, MBRU, and AUS, will conduct six critical studies of the mission in collaboration with MBRSC.
Obaid Al-Suwaidi is part of the fourth group of volunteers participating in analogue studies in HERA this year. His participation highlights the growing contribution of UAE to international space exploration.
