The United Arab Emirates has selected the crew for the next stage of its Mars simulation mission.
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According to National News, Sharif Al Romaiti was announced to be participating in the next phase of NASA’s HERA Campaign 7. Emiratis will spend 45 days in Houston, Texas with the rest of the crew.
On Monday, April 15, 2024, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) revealed the identity of the Emirati who will take part in the next stage of the simulation mission, which will recreate the conditions of the mission to Mars.
MBRSC announced on X/Twitter that Sharif Al Romaiti will be joining the project, which is scheduled to begin on May 10, 2024.
Phase 2 of the UAE Analog Program’s second analog study is scheduled to begin on May 10. This phase will include one UAE analogue crew member and six experiments from UAE universities. pic.twitter.com/gxx0F9wjxX
— MBR Space Center (@MBRSpaceCentre) April 15, 2024
“We are pleased to announce the selection of Sharif Al Romaiti for the UAE Analogue Program’s second analog study at Hera Habitat. This represents an important step forward,” said Salem Al Marri, Director General of MBRSC. .
In this project, analog astronauts will test the effects of spaceflight on the human mind and body from Earth. Al Romaity, along with other crew members, will spend a total of 45 days in a specially designed facility in Houston, Texas, as part of the Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) project.
We are collaborating on the second round of research for the UAE Analog Program. @NASAthrough the Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA).
The upcoming second phase of the analog study will see Dr Sharif Alromaiti, one of the UAE’s most senior officials and the world’s youngest graduate…
— Salem AlMarri (@Salem_HAlMarri) April 15, 2024
“This mission, which combines scientific research and international collaboration with NASA, seeks to deepen our understanding of the physiological and psychological challenges of long-duration space travel through experiments on Earth.” Salem Al Marri added. “The UAE is honored to be part of this journey. We will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible and inspire future generations to join the space sector,” he continued.
According to a statement released by MBRSC, Sharif Al Romaiti is a pilot with more than 16 years of experience in the aviation industry.
Here, we follow the journey of Dr. Sharif Al-Romaiti, a member of the UAE Analog crew, participating in Phase 2 of the UAE Analog Program Phase 2 study as part of NASA’s Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA). I’ll give you an overview. pic.twitter.com/WBax9VVYZf
— MBR Space Center (@MBRSpaceCentre) April 15, 2024
HERA facilities, on the other hand, are three-story living quarters that provide the isolation, confinement, and remote environment experienced during space exploration missions.
The first phase of NASA’s HERA campaign concluded in March. The third and fourth phases are scheduled to take place in August and November, respectively.
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Cover image source: twitter
