Seven worlds, one mission: The United Arab Emirates aims for the asteroid belt
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science
Deep Dive
Why is the UAE Space Agency aiming for the asteroid belt with its Emirates Mission?
The mission aims to build on the success of the Emirates Mars Mission (Hope) by inspiring the youth and fostering international collaboration. It also seeks to develop local capabilities and contribute to global asteroid research.
What are the key objectives of the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt?
The mission aims to study seven asteroids, including Justitia, the reddest object in the main asteroid belt. It will investigate the origin and evolution of water-rich asteroids and explore the potential for future space resource utilization.
How does the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt differ from NASA's Lucy mission?
While NASA's Lucy mission focuses on Jupiter's Trojan asteroids, the Emirates Mission targets seven bodies in the main asteroid belt, including a variety of asteroid types and families.
What is the significance of Justitia, the final target of the Emirates Mission?
Justitia is the reddest object in the main asteroid belt, and its redness is believed to indicate the presence of organic material and subsurface water. The mission aims to study its composition and understand why it remains red despite potential space weathering.
What role do startup companies play in the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt?
Startup companies in the UAE are being given the opportunity to contribute to the mission, particularly in developing the lander or impactor. This initiative aims to build local capabilities and foster innovation within the space sector.
What instruments will the Emirates Mission use to study the asteroids?
The mission will use five instruments, including the Emirates Main Belt Infrared Spectrometer (EMBERS), EMAX cameras (infrared and visible), a mid-wave infrared spectrometer (MIST-A), and the Reptile 3 instrument for studying solar energetic particles.
What are the long-term goals of the UAE Space Agency after the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt?
The agency aims to continue supporting international science and capability development, potentially focusing on new missions that address unanswered questions in space exploration and resource utilization.
How does the Emirates Mission contribute to global asteroid research?
By visiting seven asteroids, including those within asteroid families, the mission will provide valuable data on the composition, geology, and thermal properties of these bodies, contributing to the understanding of the solar system's formation and evolution.
What challenges does the Emirates Mission face in navigating between multiple asteroids?
The mission is developing its own navigation system in collaboration with universities, which is a complex process. This approach aims to build local capabilities while maintaining international partnerships for support.
How does the Emirates Mission support the development of the UAE's space ecosystem?
The mission provides opportunities for local universities, startups, and commercial entities to participate in a flagship space mission, fostering knowledge transfer, innovation, and job creation within the UAE's space sector.
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