Generation Space programme to offer training to UAE professionals

The UAE Space Agency, Mubadala, and Lockheed Martin have partnered up to launch a training programme to promote the UAE's space industry workforce.

ABU DHABI // A training programme for young professionals has been set up to support the local space industry’s workforce.

The Generation Space programme will offer training in the UAE and US through coursework, professional development and mentoring over the next four months.

Created by the UAE Space Agency, Mubadala and Lockheed Martin, the programme will involve 200 hours of coursework and focus on fundamentals before moving onto more technical subjects.

Dr Khalifa Al Romaithi, chairman of the agency, said the initiative would further the country’s space aspirations as well furthering cooperation in the sector.

“We are committed to instilling a sound scientific understanding among up-and-coming Emiratis as part of our efforts to develop a knowledge-based economy,” he said.

Generation Space will provide participants with practical experience in the UAE and US space industries, said Homaid Al Shimmari, Mubadala chief executive of aerospace and engineering.

“The future strength of the UAE’s aerospace industry depends on the development and innovation of the young professionals who will lead our country into space for the benefit of the people of the Emirates,” he said.

Masood Mahmood, chief executive for Yahsat, a Mubadala communication satellite company, said developing human capital was key to develop the country’s space sector.

He said the initiative would “not only equip young engineers with the skills needed to excel in the aerospace industry but also help them chalk out a path for their long-term career growth”.

The training will include job shadowing, tours of virtual reality and satellite production facilities and seeing the launch of Nasa’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, designed to study an asteroid and return samples of it to Earth.

“We are excited to be a part of the UAE’s journey into space,” said Nabil Azar, Lockheed Martin’s regional director.

All classroom training and guest lectures will be held at the Lockheed Martin Centre for Innovation and Security Solutions in Masdar City.

In a similar vein, the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre said it will offer scholarships to Emirati high-school graduates wishing to continue studies in engineering, aerospace and physics.

The centre will hold an open day for interested students on Monday at InterContinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City.