Region’s First Global Space Conference SpaceOps 2023 Kicks Off in Dubai

Photo © SpaceOps 2023 WAM07.03.2023 Aviation & Space
Region’s First Global Space Conference SpaceOps 2023 Kicks Off in Dubai

Region’s First Global Space Conference SpaceOps 2023 Kicks Off in Dubai

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The 17th edition of the International Conference on Space Operations (SpaceOps 2023), one of the world’s most prominent space events, began Monday at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Hosted by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and the International Committee on Technical Interchange for Space Mission Operations and Ground Data Systems, it is the first time this global event is being held in the Arab world. The conference runs from 6th to 10th March.

At the opening ceremony, Hamad Al Mansoori, Chairman of MBRSC, Yousuf Al Shaibani, Deputy Chairman of MBRSC, Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director-General of MBRSC, and Ali Al Hashimi, CEO of Yahsat, were accompanied by distinguished guests comprising heads of global space agencies and members of the international diplomatic corps, UAE national news agency WAM reported.

SpaceOps 2023 has brought together more than 1,000 registered attendees, 25 world-renowned sponsors and exhibitors, professionals, delegates, and space experts for the first-ever space event of its kind in the Middle East. The 5-day event is endorsed by several sponsors from around the world, including Platinum Sponsor GMV, Gold Sponsor Yahsat, Silver Sponsors European Space Agency (ESA) and South Africa National Space Agency (SANSA), and Bronze Sponsors Agenzia Spaziole Italiana (ASI), Centre National D’études Spatiales (CNES), Telespazio, SpaceNav, and others.

The international forum, with the theme “Invest in space to serve Earth and beyond”, offers delegates a valuable opportunity to explore all aspects of space mission operations, including specialised areas such as robotics, human, earth-orbiting, and deep space operations. The event provides insights into the latest technologies and opportunities in the space sector, showcasing how advanced space technologies can contribute to finding solutions for the future of humanity.

The event hosts a range of space-oriented plenary sessions, informative lectures, in-depth technical sessions, and interactive workshops. SpaceOps 2023 also provides a distinctive networking opportunity for space industry entities through the space science exhibition.

The UAE in general and the MBRSC in particular have made significant investments in the space sector in recent years to develop a sustainable space economy and enhance the country’s scientific and technological capabilities. Dubai’s hosting of the premier event for the first time in the Arab world closely follows the launch of Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi’s six-month milestone mission at the International Space Station (ISS). Al Neyadi, who went through the UAE Astronaut Programme at the MBRSC, arrived at the ISS on 3 March, becoming the second Emirati and the second Arab to board the orbiting science laboratory. His mission, the longest by an Arab astronaut, is expected to bolster the UAE’s position as a leading space-faring nation in the Middle East.

The UAE has successfully launched several other space missions in recent years. In September 2019, the country’s first astronaut, Hazzaa Al Mansoori, completed an eight-day mission to the ISS, generating worldwide attention. In February 2021, the UAE’s Hope Probe successfully entered Mars’ orbit, marking the first interplanetary mission by an Arab country. The mission’s design, development, and operations are led by the MBRSC. The probe will examine Mars’ atmosphere and weather patterns for two years. Moreover, the MBRSC has launched multiple satellites, including DubaiSat-1 and DubaiSat-2, used for remote sensing applications, and KhalifaSat, the first 100% Emirati-built Satellite.

MBRSC Director-General Al Marri said: “Hosting this edition of SpaceOps is a significant milestone for MBRSC as well as the larger Arab region, and it is an honour to be at the forefront of promoting space exploration and innovation on a global scale. This event is not only a reflection of our commitment to advancing the space sector in the UAE and the region, but also our belief in the power of collaboration and inclusivity to achieve great things in the space industry.”

“SpaceOps 2023, with its inclusive and multi-disciplinary approach, will aid in these efforts by providing a platform for development in space technology and capacity building for a diverse group of stakeholders to benefit from space exploration for economic, social, and environmental advancement,” he added.

 



 
 

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