UAE Space Agency begins meteor monitoring project

The UAE Space Agency announced it will work with the International Astronomy Centre to establish a meteor monitoring and filming network

ABU DHABI // The UAE Space Agency will work with the International Astronomy Centre to establish a meteor-monitoring and filming network.

As part of the agreement, at least three monitoring stations with technology to observe outer space will be built across the emirates. Command-and-control centres will also be set up to receive and analyse the information. The stations were expected to be in operation by the end of next year.

The project will provide astronomical reports and data on meteor and satellite movements, including the determination and tracking of their coordinates, all of which will help support research.

A website dedicated to the space-monitoring stations will be launched, allowing observers to see the pictures and scientific results of the project.

The agreement was signed by Dr Khalifa Al Rumaithi, chairman of the UAE Space Agency, and Khalfan Al Nuaimi, general manager of the International Astronomy Centre in Abu Dhabi.

“This project will help contribute to raising awareness and the education of student and educational and academic institutions around the topics of astronomy and space,” said Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi, director general of the space agency.

Mr Al Nuaimi said: “Our partnership with the UAE Space Agency for the establishment of a network to monitor meteors is a key strategic project that will contribute to supporting the state towards developing the space sector and building a base of statistics and results that will, without a doubt, support the academic and research sectors.”