Emirati pilot Shareef AlRomaithi embarks on NASA’s simulated journey to Mars

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has kicked off phase two of the second analog study under the UAE Analog Programme, with Emirati crew member Shareef AlRomaithi stepping into the Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) habitat at NASA’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas, USA. The mission began at 2 am (UAE time) on Saturday, marking the start of a 45-day journey for AlRomaithi and his fellow crew members.

Joining AlRomaithi on this unique expedition are primary crew members Jason Lee, Stephanie Navarro, and Piyumi Wijesekara, with alternate crew members Jose Baca and Brandon Kent also part of the team. The HERA facility, a three-story habitat, replicates space-like conditions on Earth to study how crew members adapt to isolation, confinement, and remote conditions similar to those experienced on long-duration space missions.

During their time in HERA, the crew will engage in scientific research and operational tasks. The mission includes a virtual reality simulation of walking on Mars’s surface and managing communication delays with the Mission Control Center as they simulate nearing Mars. The crew is scheduled to exit the facility on June 24.

Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, emphasized the importance of the UAE Analog Programme in preparing cadres for deep space exploration. He highlighted the collaboration with NASA as a strategic move to position the UAE as a leader in space technology globally. AlMarri stated, “Through these detailed Earth-based simulations, we are inspiring generations to expand the horizons of human potential.”

The second analog study is part of a comprehensive four-phase research initiative, consisting of 18 human health studies on Earth. These studies aim to understand the physiological, behavioral, and psychological responses of crew members under conditions similar to those expected on future lunar and Martian exploration missions.

The UAE is actively involved in these groundbreaking research initiatives, with scientific experiments provided by the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), and American University of Sharjah (AUS) across all four phases of the analog study.

The UAE Analog Programme is a testament to the country’s commitment to advancing space exploration and technology. By participating in these analog studies, the UAE is solidifying its position as a key player in the international space community and inspiring future generations to push the boundaries of human achievement. The journey of AlRomaithi and his crew members in the HERA habitat represents a significant step towards preparing for the challenges of deep space exploration.