UAE-US Space Exploration
Through close collaboration with NASA and other US partners, the United Arab Emirates is inspiring a new generation of space explorers and scientists. From launching the Arab world’s first Mission to Mars to training future astronauts, the nation is rapidly emerging as a leader in space science and exploration.
In October 2020, the UAE Space Agency joined NASA and other space agencies in signing the Artemis Accords, a multilateral partnership that seeks to further collaboration on lunar exploration.
In January 2024, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and NASA announced that the UAE will provide a crew and science airlock module, called the “Emirates Airlock” for NASA's new lunar “Gateway” space station, humanity's first international outpost to orbit the Moon.
In March 2024, the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC held a celebration of UAE-US collaboration in space featuring senior officials from both nations, including NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and UAE Minister of Youth and Astronaut HE Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi. Read more about the Emirates Airlock program.
Discover the UAE’s most recent advancements in space exploration below.
“As the Chair of the National Space Council, I have made it a priority to enhance international cooperation in space. The new partnership between NASA and Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center continues our work to ensure that space presents extraordinary opportunities for everyone here on Earth.”
– US Vice President Kamala Harris
“The United States and the United Arab Emirates are marking a historic moment in our nations’ collaboration in space, and the future of human space exploration.”
– NASA Administrator Bill Nelson
“At MBRSC, our foundational belief is that collaboration drives progress. Our enduring partnership with NASA stands as a testament to this belief, and reflects our mutual commitment to scientific excellence, technological innovation and the advancement of humanity's understanding of space and beyond.”
– H.E. Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General, MBRSC
“The partnership between NASA and the UAE in human space flight is an example of how much can be accomplished when nations come together in pursuit of shared goals.”
– Karen Feldstein, Associate Administrator for International and Interagency Relations, NASA
“Even hundreds of miles above the Earth, UAE-US collaboration is strong. From the Hope Mars probe to astronaut training, to the current mission onboard the ISS, our nations are working together to advance scientific discovery and provide a more hopeful path forward for our young people.”
– Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba
Videos
A Call from Space: US Edition
The UAE Embassy, NASA and the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) hosted an event at George Washington University in celebration of the UAE-US space partnership, moderated by entertainer Steve Harvey.
UAE Space Exploration Through 2023 and Beyond
Through close collaboration with US partners, the UAE is inspiring a new generation of space explorers and scientists.
UAE-USA Space Partnerships and the First Long-Duration Arab Space Mission
HE Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, on how the UAE-US space partnership paved the way for the first long-duration Arab space mission.
The Launch of the Emirates Mars Mission
The UAE Embassy in Washington, DC hosted a virtual watch party for the historic launch of the Hope Probe on July 20, 2020.