VP tasks Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre to lead Mars 2117 project

Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, issued directives to Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre, MBRSC, to lead the Mars 2117 project and prepare a 100-year plan for its implementation.

As per his directives, the centre’s plan will focus on preparing specialised national cadres and developing their capabilities in the fields of space science, research, artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced space technologies.

The centre will also put in place a detailed plan for the next five years that will deal with all technological, logistical and technical aspects of the project. This five-year plan will be carried out alongside a media plan that will keep pace with the project’s implementation programme. The media plan will ensure coverage at local, regional and international levels, taking into consideration how well the project was received when it was announced during the World Government Summit 2017.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also instructed MBRSC to introduce a scientific, research and behavioural programme to instil a passion for knowledge in the new generation of students in Emirati schools and universities, in addition to focussing on research programmes that will positively impact high-priority technology sectors, which in turn can benefit the UAE’s march towards development.

He also emphasised the importance of inspiring new generations in order to take their ambition to new heights, expand their knowledge and motivate their scientific curiosity, which will serve the UAE’s future plans and will leave an imprint on human knowledge.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed pointed out that sky and space are the limit for the new generations to meet their aspirations.

The Mars 2117 project includes putting in place a programme to prepare Emiratis for Mars and space exploration. The project aims to build the first city on Mars in 100 years, which will be achieved through various scientific alliances. The project will be associated with research themes involved in the exploration of faster transportation systems to Mars, as well as building houses and producing energy and food. It will also try to find faster transportation methods for travelling to and from Mars.