UAE opens space center to oversee mission to Mars



by Staff Writers



Abu Dhabi UAE (Sputnik) Apr 23, 2015



The United Arab Emirates (UAE) opened the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center on Saturday to oversee preparations of the country's Mars exploration probe mission.

A resolution to this effect was issued by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The MBRSC is affiliated with the Emirates' institution for advanced science and technology, which was established in 2006 by the UAE government, Xinhua news agency reported from Dubai.

The center is assigned to "further research, projects and space investigation, in a manner that supports the UAE's drive to develop this sector and to promote national capacity related to space information and science."

The UAE government's focus on becoming a space hub is part of the emirate's preparation strategy for when oil reserves run out.