Khalifa University Partners with Italian Embassy to Host Workshop on Space Collaboration between UAE and Italy
Italian Space Day Anniversary Celebrations Include Experts from UAE Space Agency, MBRSC, Italian Space Agency ASI and Thales Alenia
Khalifa University of Science and Technology and the Italian Embassy in Abu Dhabi today announced they will be organizing a workshop on current and potential space collaborations between Italy and the UAE, especially with the scientific and space centers of Italy.
The workshop is being organized on 25 January at the Khalifa University Main Campus to celebrate the Italian Space Day anniversary. It will focus on ongoing collaborations between the Italian Space Agency (ASI) with the United Arab Emirates Space Agency (UAESA), Emirates Mission to the Asteroid belt (EMA), and illustrate the projects by Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), ASI and Thales Alenia Space (TAS) aimed at lunar exploration. A special session will focus on catching up with the most recent scientific discoveries, from faraway cosmology to nearby planetology space projects.
His Excellency Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE will address the gathering. Others who will offer their perspectives include Dr. Alsaeed Noora, Space Research Scientist, UAE Space Agency, UAESA, Dr. Raponi Andrea, Italian National Institute for Astrophysics, Dr. Almarzooqi Hamad, Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre, MBRSC, and Dr. Vincenzo Giorgio, Thales Alenia Space.
Professor Sir John O’Reilly, President, Khalifa University, said: “We are delighted to partner with the Italian Embassy and other UAE and Italian stakeholders to host this workshop. Khalifa University hosts two research centers dedicated to space science and technologies to drive innovation. The University has launched two CubeSats into space and has collaborated with other stakeholders such as the UAE Space Agency for the launch of two more CubeSats. This workshop will highlight various space missions and how they will bring new insights, paving the way for knowledge exchange that will be beneficial to both Emirati and Italian institutions and organizations.”
His Excellency Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE, said: “I am particularly glad to celebrate the Italian Space Day at Khalifa University, an extraordinary place of learning and innovation that already boasts so many connections with Italian universities, companies, and researchers. Italy and the UAE have a long-standing tradition of cooperation in the space sector and have a great potential to further deepen it. The workshop will offer concrete opportunities to develop this collaboration, bringing together institutions, researchers, and industry representatives.”
There will be dedicated sessions on the most recent scientific discoveries, and how Khalifa University is enabling UAE-led space technologies through its research centers. Some of the technologies were developed at the Khalifa University Space Technology and Innovation Center (KUSTIC), which also hosts the YahSat Space Lab, first of its kind in the region, with the capability to design, build and test small satellites.
At the same time, KU Space and Planetary Sciences Center (SPSC) is involved in an unprecedented number of current and prospective national and international space missions. An ongoing joint research program between Khalifa University and the University of Colorado Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (CU/LASP) analyzes data from the Emirates Mars Mission (EMM).
Clarence Michael
English Editor – Specialist
25 January 2024
