Generation Space programme graduates first batch of engineers

ABU DHABI // The first batch of young professionals on Monday graduated from a training scheme to support the local space industry.

The Generation Space programme offers coursework, professional development and mentoring in the UAE and the United States. It was launched in August by the UAE Space Agency, Mubadala and Lockheed Martin.

The four-month scheme comprises 350 hours of practical training and coursework, with visits to UAE’s space industry centres and the Kennedy Space Centre in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

In the US, the trainees saw the launch of the first spacecraft designed to bring back samples from an asteroid.

Dr Khalifa Al Romaithi, chairman of the UAE Space Agency, said the programme accorded with the agency’s goal to support and develop a generation of engineers and scientists.

Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi, the agency’s director general, said the graduates had proven their abilities and would help to further the UAE’s space sector.

“These engineers will play a major and integral part in leading the UAE space sector in the future,” he said.

Robert Harward, chief executive of Lockheed Martin UAE, congratulated the graduates on completing their training.

He said Lockheed Martin was proud to be a part of the programme to train future Emirati space explorers.

“This programme reflects the best of a public-private sector partnership,” said Mr Harward.

“We worked together with the UAE Space Agency and Mubadala to support the young people who will lead the UAE’s space industry in the future.

“Lockheed Martin is proud of our partnership to train and inspire the UAE space explorers of tomorrow, and we look forward to watching the next generation accomplish great things for their country and for the industry in the future.”