MBRSC launches new phase of 2nd analog study with Emirati crew member – UAE

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has announced the commencement of phase two of the second analog study under the UAE Analog Programme, with Emirati crew member Shareef AlRomaithi entering 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, along with his fellow primary crew members Jason Lee, Stephanie Navarro, and Piyumi Wijesekara, have embarked on a 45-day mission within the HERA facility. The mission aims to study in-depth the effect of space flight simulated on Earth to support future long-duration space endeavors. The alternate crew members for this mission are Jose Baca and Brandon Kent.

The HERA facility is a unique three-story habitat that simulates space-like conditions on Earth. It is designed to study how crew members adapt to isolation, confinement, and remote conditions similar to those they would face on long-duration space missions. Throughout their simulated journey in HERA, the team will engage in scientific research and operational tasks, including 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.

H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, highlighted the importance of the UAE Analog Programme in preparing cadres for the challenges of deep space exploration. He stated, “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.”

The second analog study under the UAE Analog Programme is part of a comprehensive four-phase analog study, 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 being 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 cornerstone of the country’s vision to integrate advanced scientific research with strategic objectives, positioning the UAE as a leader in space technology regionally and internationally. By participating in Earth-based simulations in collaboration with NASA, the UAE is preparing its cadres for the challenges of deep space exploration and solidifying its role in the international space community.