The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a $135 million (approximately Rs 890 crore) Mars Science City project in an effort to “simulate living on the surface of Mars.”
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a $135 million (approximately Rs 890 crore) Mars Science City project in an effort to “simulate living on the surface of Mars.”
Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, launched this project.
The Mars Science City project falls within the UAE’s objectives to lead the global scientific race to take people to Mars, and is part of the Mars 2117 Strategy, launched during the fifth World Government Summit, which seeks to build the first settlement on Mars in the next 100 years.
Image: Dubai Media Office
The Mars Science City structure will be the most sophisticated building the world, and will incorporate a realistic simulation environment replicating the conditions on the surface of Mars. The city will consist of several domes, with construction techniques providing support for the structures. A team of Emirati scientists, engineers and designers, led by a team from the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre and Dubai Municipality will carry out the project, in cooperation with internationally renowned architects Bjarke Ingels.
According to an official statement, the project encompasses laboratories for food, energy and water, as well as agricultural testing and studies about food security in the future. The science city will also boast a museum that displays humanity’s greatest space achievements, including educational areas meant to engage young citizens with space, and inspire in them a passion for exploration and discovery. The walls of the museum will also be 3D printed, using sand from the Emirati desert.
Image: Dubai Media Office
This project will include advanced laboratories that stimulate the red planet’s terrain and harsh environment through advanced 3D printing technology and heat and radiation insulation. The plan for the Mars Science City project includes an experiential element which will involve a team living in the stimulated red planet city for one year. It is hoped the experience will form an important reference model for future innovation around sustaining life in a hostile planetary environment. A range of experiments are to be devised which will lead to innovation around self-sufficiency in energy, water and food.
Image: Dubai Media Office
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said, "The UAE seeks to establish international efforts to develop technologies that benefit humankind, and that establish the foundation of a better future for more generations to come. We also want to consolidate the passion for leadership in science in the UAE, contributing to improving life on earth and to developing innovative solutions to many of our global challenges."
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 "Mars, mars plan, Elon Musk, SpaceX, Mars Science City project, Space, Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sheikh Moham")
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