Phase two of UAE's space Analog Programme begins

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has announced the start of phase two of the second analog study under the UAE Analog Programme.

Emirati crew member Shareef AlRomaithi entered the Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) habitat at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, USA at 2 AM (UAE time) on Saturday.

AlRomaithi was joined by his fellow primary crew members Jason Lee, Stephanie Navarro, and Piyumi Wijesekara, as they began the 45-day mission within the HERA facility.

The unique three-story habitat simulates space-like conditions on Earth, designed to study how crew members adapt to isolation, confinement, and remote conditions similar to those they would face on long-duration space missions.

Highlights from the ingress of analog crewmember Shareef AlRomaithi and his crew into the HERA habitat, marking the beginning of phase 2 of the second study of the UAE Analog Programme. pic.twitter.com/meBLGG6vMe

— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) May 11, 2024

Throughout their simulated journey in HERA, the team will engage in scientific research and operational tasks. This mission on Earth includes a virtual reality “walk” on Mars's surface and managing increasing communication delays with Mission Control Center as they simulate nearing Mars. The crew is scheduled to leave the facility on June 24.

Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General, MBRSC said, “The UAE Analog Programme is a cornerstone of our vision to integrate advanced scientific research with our strategic objectives, positioning the UAE as a leader in space technology both regionally and internationally. Through these detailed Earth-based simulations in collaboration with our partners at NASA, we are meticulously preparing our cadres for the vast challenges of deep space exploration, establishing the UAE and the broader Arab world as pivotal players in the international space community and inspiring generations to expand the horizons of human potential.”