In a landmark moment for the UAE’s space endeavors, Emirati astronaut Shareef AlRomaithi has commenced a 45-day simulated Mars mission within NASA’s Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) habitat. The mission, which began at 2am UAE time on Saturday, is a critical component of the UAE Analog Programme’s second phase, aimed at preparing astronauts for the rigors of deep space travel.
AlRomaithi, along with fellow crew members Jason Lee, Stephanie Navarro, and Piyumi Wijesekara, will experience isolation, confinement, and remote conditions akin to those on long-duration space missions. The HERA habitat, a three-story structure, provides an Earth-based environment that closely mimics space-like conditions.
During their stay, the crew will conduct scientific research, operational tasks, and a virtual reality exploration of Mars’s surface. The mission also involves managing communication delays with Mission Control as they simulate the approach to Mars. The team is set to exit HERA on June 24, concluding their extraordinary journey.
Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, highlighted the significance of the UAE Analog Programme in advancing scientific research and positioning the UAE as a frontrunner in space technology. The collaboration with NASA underscores the UAE’s commitment to becoming a key player in the international space community and inspiring future generations.
The comprehensive four-phase analog study includes 18 human health studies on Earth, focusing on the physiological, behavioral, and psychological aspects of crew members under lunar and Martian mission conditions. The UAE’s contribution to this pioneering research is further bolstered by scientific experiments from UAEU, MBRU, and AUS.
