UAE Surpasses Korea... Leading in Manned Space Technology Too [Reading Science]

Sending Astronaut to International Space Station Next Year
First 6-Month Long-Term Stay Planned Among Arab Countries
Rapid Progress Following Successful Mars Orbit Entry
UAE Royal Family: "Space Industry Is a National Core Industry"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] The momentum of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which surpassed South Korea by successfully exploring Mars, is formidable. Through long-term stays on the International Space Station (ISS), the UAE is set to acquire manned space technology, an area where South Korea has yet to achieve completion.

According to space-specialized media Space.com on the 26th, the UAE plans to send one astronaut named Sultan Al Neyadi to the ISS aboard SpaceX's Crew-6 manned spacecraft next year. He will stay for about six months to acquire manned space technology. If this plan is executed, Al Neyadi will become the first astronaut from an Arab country to perform a long-term mission on the ISS.

Previously, the UAE sent one astronaut to the ISS in 2019 aboard the Russian Soyuz spacecraft but stayed only for eight days before returning. Al Neyadi was also selected as an astronaut candidate at that time but was eliminated at the last moment and remained in the candidate pool. He is known to be a former network security engineer in the UAE Air Force and holds a PhD related to ICT. Like other ISS resident astronauts, he has been trained over the past two years in survival skills necessary for spacewalks and other activities. The UAE government stated, "Al Neyadi will conduct numerous in-depth and advanced scientific experiments as part of the astronaut program."

UAE astronaut 'Sultan AlNeyadi'.

Until the 2000s, the UAE was behind South Korea, sending students abroad to learn satellite manufacturing technology. However, after designating the space industry as a core national industry following oil depletion and starting focused investment, the UAE has taken the lead. In 2014, it accelerated efforts by establishing the UAE Space Agency as a ministerial-level independent organization. In February, the Mars probe 'Amal' successfully entered Mars orbit, becoming the fifth in the world after the United States, Russia, Europe, and India. In 2024, the UAE plans to land an unmanned spacecraft on the Moon. Recently, it announced a plan to invest 1.08 trillion won over the next six years to carry out an advanced small satellite swarm project. This 'Sirb (Swarm)' project involves launching numerous small satellites equipped with high-resolution video radar capable of 24-hour imaging and operating them in a swarm. It will collect data related to disaster response such as climate change, drought, natural disasters, and marine oil spills.

Meanwhile, South Korea currently has no clear plans regarding the development of manned space technology. In April 2008, in cooperation with Russia, Dr. Yi So-yeon stayed on the ISS, but it lasted only 11 days.